(Press release)
December 19, 2025
Ministry of Defense
On December 19, 2025, commencing at 08:30 (Japan time) for approximately 50 minutes, Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjiro and New Zealand Defense Minister the Hon Judith Collins KC held a Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting (Breakfast Meeting).
- At the outset, Minister Koizumi briefed the radar incidents of Chinese military aircraft illuminating radar onto JSDF fighters on December 6 and the Chinese-Russian bombers’joint flight on 9th December. Minister Koizumi shared grave concerns over this incident with Minister Collins and the Ministers concurred to closely communicate with each other. In addition, Minister Koizumi emphasized to respond to such acts conducted by China in a calm and yet resolute manner.
- The Ministers confirmed their intention to continue to cooperate with each other in strengthening cooperation with the Pacific Island countries.
- The Ministers also welcomed that the Information Security Agreement and the ACSA will be signed.
- The Ministers concurred in closely working together to further deepen bilateral defense cooperation towards the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Japan-New Zealand Defense Minister Meeting (Breakfast Meeting) (PDF)