(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, from around 6:00 a.m. for approximately 40 minutes, I held a telephone conference with Secretary of War Hegseth of the U.S. We exchanged candid views on the increasingly severe security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, including the dangerous act in which Chinese military aircraft illuminated radar onto Self-Defense Force aircraft in the high seas airspace southeast of Okinawa island on December 6, and the subsequent joint flight by China and Russia. I stated that Japan would firmly and steadily continue surveillance and monitoring activities in the airspace and waters surrounding Japan, and cope with any unexpected situation in a calm and resolute manner. Secretary Hegseth and I expressed serious concern over any actions to increase regional tensions, as China’s actions are not conducive to regional peace and stability, and concurred to closely communicate and collaborate with each other. Furthermore, we concurred to proceed with necessary coordination to meet in person in the new year. I will continue to work toward further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance through close collaboration with Secretary Hegseth.