Secretary of Defense and Foreign Affairs of the United States and Japan▶ Click here for a larger view
At the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, the first meeting of the U.S. and Japan’s diplomatic and defense ministers held on the 16th after the inauguration of the U.S. Joe Biden administration, the two countries emphasized that the U.S.-Japan alliance is very important to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint announcements released by the two countries after the meeting on the day included a lot of criticism and checks by specifying China.
The document cited concerns about the Maritime Police Law, which allowed the use of weapons by the Chinese coastal light, and the human rights issues of Hong Kong and minorities.
Regarding North Korea, the contents demanded the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution and the resolution of denuclearization and kidnapping issues, as well as a confirmation of the importance of the trilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The following is the summary of the US-Japan joint document released on the 16th.
◇ US-Japan alliance
The US-Japan alliance continues as the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan has resolved to improve its capabilities to strengthen its national defense and further strengthen the US-Japan alliance. It renewed its resolve to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and an international order based on rules. He urged the US-Japan Security Consultation Committee to be held again within this year.
◇ China
The United States and Japan recognized that actions not inconsistent with the existing international order by China poses political, economic, military and technical challenges for the US-Japan alliance and the international community. It has confirmed that it opposes actions that harm the safety or coercion of others in the region that undermines the international order based on the rules. It has expressed serious concern over recent local confusing behavior, including the China Coast Guard Act.
Under Article 5 of the US-Japan Security Treaty, Senkaku (Chinese name Diaoyudao)<釣魚島>) Discussed the US’ unwavering commitment to Japan’s defense, including the archipelago. We oppose any unilateral action that attempts to change the status quo or undermine Japan’s municipal administration on the Senkaku Islands.
It emphasized the importance of peace and safety in the Taiwan Strait. It expressed opposition to allegations and activities regarding China’s illegal maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. It was recalled that in the arbitral trial between the Philippines and China, the July 2016 ruling was final and legally binding the State party. They shared serious concerns about the human rights situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang Weiwuer Autonomous Region.
US-Japan 2+2 meeting◇ North Korea
Reaffirming North Korea’s resolution to complete denuclearization, he demanded that North Korea comply with all its obligations under the resolution of the UN Security Council. It confirmed the need for immediate resolution of the abduction issue. Cooperation between the United States, Japan, and Korea is essential to the safety, peace, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region that we share.
◇Defense cooperation
It again pledged to deepen defense cooperation across all areas and enhance close cooperation to strengthen expansion deterrence. It emphasized the importance of further strengthening the space and cyber domains and information security.
◇ Futenma airfield relocation
(Okinawa) Reconfirmed that the plan to build an alternative facility to the Futenma Airfield in the Camp Schwarb Henoko district and adjacent waters is the only solution to avoid the continued use of the Futenma Airfield, and built it as early as possible. Complete.
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