(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have three announcements at the outset today. The first is about the incident in which a Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel intruded into the premises of the Embassy of China in Tokyo and was arrested. On March 24, a Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) personnel, who belongs to the GSDF’s Camp Ebino, intruded into the premises of the Embassy of China and was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. Maintaining discipline is of crucial importance for the SDF as an armed organization. It is highly regrettable that an SDF personnel, who ought to adhere to law and discipline, intruded into the premises of the Embassy of China and was arrested on suspicion of trespassing. I am aware that the National Police Agency is taking the required measures to reinforce the security of diplomatic missions, including instructing vigilant monitoring of relevant facilities. This incident is currently being investigated by investigative authorities, and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) is fully cooperating with the investigation. The MOD will be taking stringent responses as soon as the facts come to light.
The second announcement is about the destroyer JS CHOKAI’s acquisition of Tomahawk launch capabilities. Today, the MOD issued a press release regarding the destroyer JS CHOKAI’s acquisition of Tomahawk launch capabilities. I would like to once again explain the significance of this acquisition. After the MOD/SDF decided to introduce stand-off missiles in 2017, the National Defense Strategy formulated in 2022 stated that stand-off defense capabilities would be strengthened as one of the seven key capabilities. Tomahawk, a U.S.-made stand-off missile, has already begun to be delivered to the SDF, and JS CHOKAI has undergone modifications and conducted crew training in the U.S. since last October to add the Tomahawk missile launch function. During my visit to the U.S. in January, I talked with JS CHOKAI’s crew in Los Angeles and was informed that the vessel modifications and crew training were proceeding smoothly. Today, it was confirmed that JS CHOKAI completed these modifications and training and acquired Tomahawk launch capabilities. I have been briefed that, to mark the acquisition of the launch capabilities, a commemorative event was held on JS CHOKAI attended by relevant Japanese and U.S. stakeholders. JS CHOKAI will carry out live-fire tests in the U.S. by this summer and return to Japan in around September. The strengthening of capabilities is necessary to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese people facing the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. It remains the case that the defense capabilities Japan can possess, including stand-off missiles, are the minimum necessary defense capabilities for self-defense, which will be used for the first time in the event of an armed attack by an opponent. Such capabilities will not pose a threat to other countries. The MOD/SDF will continue taking steps to further reinforce and transform defense capabilities to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese people.
My third and last announcement is about a visit to Iwo-To. Tomorrow, March 28, Saturday, I, as Minister of Defense, will visit Iwo-To and attend the Memorial Ceremony for the Japanese War Dead on the Battle of Iwo-To, hosted by the Iwo-To Association, and the Japan-U.S. Reunion of Honor Ceremony, co-hosted by the Iwo-To Association and the Iwo Jima Association of America. Upon the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is in charge of the ceremonial arrangements, the MOD has provided support for past ceremonies, including preparing the venue and dispatching the band. In addition, the Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense have previously attended the ceremonies on behalf of the MOD. Iwo-To is a place where extremely fierce battles took place during the war and over 20,000 people lost their lives. Japan and the U.S., which once engaged in intense battles here, have become one and only friends bound together by strong friendship and ties. Bearing the weight of this history in mind, it has been my strong wish to attend the ceremonies, which have long been held as a symbol of the friendship and ties between Japan and the U.S. On the day of the ceremonies, I will deliver a memorial address at the site as Minister of Defense. I will offer my sincere condolences to the souls of all war dead from both Japan and the U.S. who sacrificed their precious lives during the war, vowing to myself to continue following the course of a peace-loving nation and contribute to the realization of a stable world by working together with the international community.