Defense Minister Kishi met with Australia's Defense Minister Dutton over the phone to share concerns about the Maritime Police Law, which allowed China to use weapons with the Coast Guard, as well as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific. We have confirmed that we will promote defense cooperation in three countries, including the United States, in order to maintain and strengthen the situation.
A telephone conversation between Defense Minister Kishi and Defense Minister Dutton of Australia took place from 1:00 pm for approximately an hour.
In this, they confirmed that they strongly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo against the background of power, bearing in mind that China is strengthening its marine expansion in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
On top of that, China shared concerns about the "Marine Police Law," which allowed the Coast Guard to use weapons, and aimed to maintain and strengthen the "free and open Indo-Pacific," including the United States. We have confirmed that we will promote defense cooperation in the country.
They also accused North Korea of launching ballistic missiles in March, and achieved complete, verifiable and irreversible disposal of ballistic missiles of all ranges, as well as supplies at sea. We have confirmed that we will cooperate with the so-called "Setori" to be transshipped.