Following the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea, Defense Minister Kishi met with US Defense Secretary Austin on the phone late on the night of the 24th, saying that the ICBM = intercontinental ballistic missile-class launch is a serious situation and deterred the Japan-US alliance. We agreed to further strengthen our strength and coping ability.
The telephone talk was held for about 30 minutes from 11:30 pm on the 24th.
They agreed that the series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea violated the UN Security Council resolution, and that the ICBM-class launch on the 24th was a serious situation, and defense authorities in Japan and the United States continued. We have confirmed that we will work closely together.
On that basis, they agreed that it is important to further strengthen the deterrence and coping power of the Japan-US alliance and to promote close cooperation and cooperation among the three countries of Japan, the United States and South Korea.
They also exchanged views on Russia's military invasion of Ukraine and confirmed that Japan and the United States will work closely together.