Prime Minister Suga met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Austin at the Prime Minister's Office on the night of the 16th.
We confirmed the importance of maintaining and developing the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" under the leadership of both Japan and the United States.
Foreign Minister Mogi and Defense Minister Kishi were also present at the meeting.
In this, Prime Minister Suga said, "I visited Japan as my first overseas destination, and after President Biden proclaimed that the United States was back, he made a policy that emphasizes the relationship between allies and partner countries. We sincerely welcome you to promote it. "
At the meeting, they agreed to further strengthen the deterrence and coping power of the Japan-US alliance, and it is important to maintain and develop the "free and open Indo-Pacific" under the leadership of both countries. I confirmed.
At the meeting, he expressed serious concern about the unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea, including China's "Cast Guard Law."
Furthermore, regarding the situation in North Korea, they agreed to continue to confirm the close cooperation between Japan and the United States and to cooperate for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Suga pointed out that local understanding is indispensable for ensuring the stable presence of U.S. forces in Japan, and at the meeting, while maintaining the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, locals including Okinawa We also confirmed the importance of steadily reducing the burden.