December 12, 2025
Ministry of Defense
On December 12, Defense Minister Koizumi and Secretary of War Hegseth held a telephone conference. The summary is as follows.
The Ministers exchanged candid views on the increasingly severe security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, including the radar incident against Self Defense-Force aircraft by Chinese military aircraft on December 6th. Minister Koizumi 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. The Ministers 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.
Minister Koizumi recounted his visit to Sakishima Islands in November and explained progress so far in Japan’s efforts for further reinforcement of defense capabilities. Based on the concurrence at the Defense Ministerial Meeting on October 29th in Tokyo, the Ministers reaffirmed to continue promoting various initiatives to further strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond, with a sense of urgency and speed.
Furthermore, the Ministers concurred to proceed with necessary coordination to meet in person in the new year.