(Press release)
November 1, 2025
Ministry of Defense
On November 1, 2025, commencing at 18:07 (local time) for approximately 50 minutes, Minister of Defense Koizumi, visiting Malaysia to attend ADMM+, held a meeting with Chinese Minister of Defense Dong Jun.
- Minister Koizumi pointed out that, among the various aspects of Japan-China relations, the security field remains the most challenging area, and that there exist numerous outstanding issues. He expressed Japan’s serious concern over the increasingly active military activities of China in various forms in the East China Sea and the Pacific region. He further stated that, at the Japan-China Summit Meeting held on October 31 between Prime Minister Takaichi and President Xi Jinping, the two leaders reaffirmed the overall direction of the Japan-China relations, and shared the view that both sides would comprehensively promote the "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests" and build "constructive and stable Japan-China relations". Minister Koizumi stated that the new administration upholds this position, and emphasized that, in order to realize the consensus reached between the leaders, it is essential that the defense authorities of the two countries persistently engage in candid discussions and communication, without averting their eyes from specific and difficult issues.
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Minister Koizumi also expressed strong concerns over Chinese activities in the vicinity of Senkaku Islands, which is an inherent part of Japan's territory, including the intrusion of a helicopter from the CCG vessel into Japan's territorial airspace that occurred in May of this year, and strongly requested immediate cessation of such activities. He also reiterated his serious concern about China's increasing military activities in the sea and airspace surrounding Japan, including those conducted under cooperation with Russia.
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Minister Koizumi also reiterated serious concerns over the situation in the South China Sea and emphasized the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In addition, He strongly condemned North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches and expressed his serious concern about the progress of Russia-North Korea military cooperation.
- On that basis, Minister Koizumi pointed out the importance of firmly ensuring the appropriate and reliable operation of the Hotline Between Japan and China Defense Authorities. The two ministers also concurred on the importance of enhancing dialogue and exchanges at all levels, including between defense authorities and shared the recognition that they would coordinate a visit to the Eastern Theater Command by a delegation of Japan Self-Defense Force as part of the unit-to-unit exchanges that were resumed in January this year.