Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (summary)

On March 16, 2021, Defense Minister Kishi and Defense Secretary Austin held a meeting from 12:50 for 90 minutes. The summary is as follows.

1. Overview

The Ministers confirmed that Japan-U.S. Alliance is more important than ever for the regional peace and stability in the security environment that is rapidly growing severe. The Ministers affirmed that Japan and the U.S. will work to maintain and reinforce a free and open Indo-Pacific with the Japan-U.S. Alliance being the cornerstone. Minister Kishi expressed the strong resolve to the defense of Japan and stated that Japan will play an active role for the regional peace and stability. Secretary Austin welcomed the statement and confirmed the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan. The Ministers concurred that they will work together to further strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond.

2. Regional affairs

As China’s behaviors that does not conform to international order pose challenges to the Alliance and the international community, the Ministers agreed to have consultations going forward on actions to be taken by defense authorities. In relation to this, Minister Kishi stated it is entirely unacceptable that the China’s Coast Guard Law which includes problematic stipulations in terms of the consistency with the international law heightens tension in the waters such as East and South China Seas, and the Ministers expressed the serious concern. The Ministers also shared the recognition on the importance of peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. The Ministers reconfirmed the commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and strongly urged North Korea to abide by its obligations under the UN Security Council Resolutions. The Ministers also agreed that Japan and the United States will continue working together with partner countries to counter illicit ship-to-ship transfers of goods by North Korea-related vessels. The Ministers affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation with various partners in the region and beyond to maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

3. Bilateral defense cooperation

The Ministers agreed to work together to deepen cooperation in all domains including space and cyber space, aligning the respective strategies of both countries through close consultations. The Ministers also concurred on the importance of strengthening the readiness of both Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Forces in Japan through measures such as various high-end training including bilateral training in order to enhance the Alliance capabilities to respond and deter.

4. Realignment of U.S. forces / U.S. Forces in Japan

The Ministers confirmed that the two countries will closely coordinate with each other regarding the Global Posture Review of the United States. The Ministers welcomed the realignment initiatives of U.S. Forces in Japan so far including the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma to Henoko-saki and facility development of Mageshima and agreed that Japan and the United States will continue to closely work together to steadily advance them. The Ministers reconfirmed that the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma to Henoko-saki is the only solution to avoid the continued use of MCAS Futenma and agreed to continuously advance the project. The Ministers confirmed that it is essential to gain understanding and cooperation from the local communities for the stable stationing of the U.S. Forces in Japan and their daily operations, and affirmed the importance of ensuring safe and environmentally conscious operations of the U.S. forces.