Tokyo: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have confirmed their commitment to demonstrating strong leadership in order to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance. The announcement was made during their first meeting in Tokyo, with Japan's Defense Ministry describing the alliance as "the greatest alliance in the world."
According to Kuwait News Agency, Koizumi, who recently assumed office, emphasized his dedication to fundamentally reinforcing Japan's defense capabilities. He also expressed his intent to increase Japan's defense spending as part of the country's independent initiative. Discussions have already commenced on revising the National Security Strategy and other relevant documents, with Hegseth expressing support for these efforts.
The ministers agreed to advance various initiatives aimed at strengthening the Japan-US alliance capabilities. They emphasized the need for urgency and speed in responding to challenges arising from the evolving security environment. These efforts will include upgrading US Forces Japan and implementing Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command and control frameworks to ensure effective bilateral cooperation in both peacetime and contingency situations.
In the realm of defense equipment and technology cooperation, Koizumi and Hegseth acknowledged the shared challenge of strengthening the defense production and technological base. They reaffirmed the importance of mutual support in enhancing these capabilities for both Japan and the US.
Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to continue enhancing multilateral cooperation, focusing on information sharing and operational collaboration with regional partners such as Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines, with Japan and the US at the core of these efforts.
The meeting between Koizumi and Hegseth followed a summit in Tokyo where Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump vowed to usher in a new golden age for the bilateral alliance.