Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno constantly considers the necessity of revising guidelines for Japan-U.S. defense cooperation in response to revisions to the National Security Strategy, which clearly states the possession of "counterattack capability," but there is no immediate need to review them. I have indicated that I am not.
After the revision of three documents, including the "National Security Strategy," which stipulates the possession of "counterattack capabilities" to strike enemy missile launch sites, the first Japan-US summit meeting and foreign and defense ministerial talks, the so-called "2 Plus 2” did not mention the review of guidelines for defense cooperation.
At a press conference in the morning, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said, "The guidelines provide a general framework and policy direction for Japan-U.S. defense cooperation, and revisions to these guidelines are subject to changes in the situation related to the alliance. If it arises and it is deemed necessary based on the situation at that time, both governments are supposed to conduct it in a timely and appropriate manner."
He added, "We will constantly consider the need for a review, but we do not believe that the decision to possess counterattack capabilities alone will necessitate an immediate review."