Based on North Korea's second launch: Japan-U.S., Japan-U.S.-South Korea and Japan-U.S.-ROK Confirmed Close Cooperation

Defense Minister Hamada met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin, who is visiting Japan, and confirmed that Japan and the U.S., as well as Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will work closely together to prepare for the launch, given that North Korea intends to promptly launch a second military reconnaissance satellite.

On the morning of June 6, Defense Minister Hamada met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin at the Ministry of Defense.

At the outset, Minister Hamada stated, "I strongly condemn North Korea's launch of a possible ballistic missile yesterday, and it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between Japan and the United States, as well as Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) amid the possibility of further launches."

In response, Secretary Austin said, "The U.S. military and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to defend Japan shoulder to shoulder, strengthen peace and deterrence in the region, and maintain the rules-based international order.

At the meeting, the two ministers confirmed that Japan and the United States, as well as Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will work closely together in the event that a potential ballistic missile is launched again, based on North Korea's intention to launch a second military reconnaissance satellite as soon as possible.

In addition, in order to effectively operate the "counterattack capability" that the Japan has decided to possess, it was decided to continue discussions on the role of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the division of duties.

Furthermore, Minister Hamada conveyed the importance of frank discussions on "extended deterrence," which protects Japan through the deterrence of U.S. nuclear forces and conventional forces, and Secretary Austin agreed.

At the joint press conference after the meeting, Minister Hamada stated, "Both Japan and the United States shared the recognition of North Korea, including yesterday's launch, and confirmed that we would work closely together so that we can act swiftly in unison against North Korea's provocative actions."