日にち米べい防衛ぼうえい相しょう会談かいだん 日にち米べい同盟どうめいの強化きょうかに向むけ意見いけん交換こうかんか

Defense Minister Nakatani met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagel at the Ministry of Defense.

It seems that opinions were exchanged on efforts to enhance command and control between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.

<br>Defense Minister Nakaya met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagseth for the first time in person at the Ministry of Defense on the morning of the 30th for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

<br><br>At the beginning, Minister Nakatani said, I am very pleased to welcome Secretary Hagel to the Ministry of Defense and to be able to hold the Japan-U.S. Defense Ministers meeting.

We want Japan and the United States to continue to work closely together to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, he said.

The detailed content of the meeting has not yet been disclosed, but it is believed that the two discussed the establishment of a Joint Operations Command that centrally commands the Self-Defense Forces to improve command and control of the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, and the establishment of a Joint Forces Command that would grant operational command authority to the U.S. forces stationed in Japan.

It is believed that Japan and the United States have confirmed their intention to enhance their presence in the southwestern region of Japan through joint training and other means, as well as to deepen cooperation in terms of equipment and technology, amid Chinas increased military activities in the East China Sea.

<br><br>Additionally, it is believed that discussions were held regarding the nature of security cooperation in areas such as space and cyber domains.

<br>Defense Minister Nakatani: Determined to Proceed with a Sense of Urgency in Strengthening Defense Capabilities<br>After a meeting at the Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Nakatani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagel held a joint press conference. Minister Nakatani stated, We shared an understanding of the increasingly severe and complex security environment, and, together with Secretary Hagel, confirmed our determination to proceed with a sense of urgency in strengthening each of our defense capabilities and the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance.

<br>US Secretary of Defense: Japan is an indispensable partner in deterring Chinas military aggression.<br>At the beginning of a meeting with Defense Minister Nakatani, US Secretary of Defense Hagseth stated, Our alliance is stronger than ever.

President Trump also clearly states about the wonderful relationship with Japan, which is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region

We will work together to expand the security and prosperity of Japan and the United States, he said.

<br><br>In addition, I look forward to discussing the need for credible deterrence in this region, including the Taiwan Strait

Japan is an indispensable partner in deterring military aggression by communist China.

The United States is moving swiftly to rebuild deterrence in this region and around the world

I look forward to learning more about how Japan similarly strengthens its deterrence against war and invests in defense to secure a free future, he said.