(attachment 1)Japan-U.S. defense ministerial meeting

October 23, 2017
Ministry of Defense

On October 23 2017, Minister Onodera and Secretary Mattis took the opportunity of ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM plus) to hold the Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting from 12:45 (LT) for about 65 minutes. An overview is as follows.

１　Response to issues of North Korea

The Ministers shared information on the situation and outlook of nuclear and missile development by North Korea. Minister Onodera described the situation where threats of North Korea to security of the region including Japan have become unprecedentedly major and imminent. Based on that fact, Minister Onodera stated the necessity of a proper discussion with Secretary Mattis to take close measures to any situation as an alliance. Secretary Mattis expressed the similar view and renewed strong determination on defense of Japan including commitment for extended deterrence.
In light of increasing threat of ballistic missile by North Korea, the Ministers agreed to ensure the best defense posture, confirmed cooperation on introduction of new BMD assets focusing on Aegis ashore, and agreed to promote closer cooperation on operational side between assets of Japan and the U.S. assets including Aegis ship.
The ministers welcomed that they are keeping a high level of communication through teleconferences on the occasion of repeated provocative acts by North Korea, and confirmed that they will keep working closely together in information sharing. Also, they confirmed that they will continue to exert pressure on North Korea in a tangible way, and the importance of coordinating closely on future measures between Japan and the United States.
In addition, the Ministers reaffirmed to advance close trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States, and Republic of Korea.

2 　Regional situation etc.

The Ministers agreed that they will continuously keep paying attention to the situation of the East China Sea and both Japan and the United States will cooperate for its peace and stability.
Also, the Ministers confirmed the importance of commitment to South-East Asia in light of the situation including the South China Sea, and welcomed development of multilateral security cooperation and dialogue in the region under the framework of ADMM plus. Minister Onodera stated that Japan will proceed with the effort to improve capability of ASEAN based on the guidelines for Japan-ASEAN defense cooperation, "the Vientiane Vision". The Ministers confirmed that Japan and the United States will cooperate to promote defense cooperation including capacity building assistance with South-East Asian countries.
In addition, as for the accident of CH-53E, Secretary Mattis showed recognition on the importance of flight safety, and Minister Onodera conveyed to Secretary Mattis that it is vital to win the support of local communities to ensure stable stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan and asked to operate safely.