The new Defense Minister Gen Nakatani recently had his first meeting with the U.S. Defense Secretary, where they discussed expanding their presence in Japan’s Nansei Islands near Taiwan. The two officials agreed on the importance of modernizing the alliance’s command-and-control framework to strengthen their cooperation.
During the phone call, Nakatani and Austin emphasized the need to work closely with regional partners to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion. They expressed their commitment to closer collaboration and increased coordination to maintain stability in the region.
This meeting highlights the strong partnership between Japan and the United States in ensuring security and peace in the Asia-Pacific region. The two ministers are determined to enhance their cooperation and strategic alignment to address current and future security challenges effectively.