November 2, 2025
Ministry of Defense
On November 1, while visiting Malaysia to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), Defense Minister Koizumi held a meeting with War Secretary Hegseth. This meeting followed the one held in Tokyo on October 29, and they had candid discussions, including the recent changes in the regional situation and the strategic environment.
Building on the exchanges during the recent Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting, the Ministers actively exchanged views on the progress of the U.S. National Defense Strategy, as well as the U.S. approval for the Republic of Korea to build a nuclear powered submarine.
The Ministers also discussed the importance of trilateral defense cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea for the regional peace and stability, and the need to further advance collaboration among like-minded countries, centered around the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and pursue tangible initiatives to strengthen deterrence.
The Ministers concurred to continue strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance with a sense of speed.