Japan, Us Confirm Close Cooperation After N.korea's Missile Launches
The defense chiefs of Japan and the United States have confirmed close cooperation to boost their alliance's deterrence and response capabilities following North Korea's latest ballistic missile launches.
Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo held a teleconference with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday.
Pyongyang's missile launches on Wednesday came immediately after the Japan-US summit and the Quad leaders' meeting in Tokyo earlier this week. The Quad framework consists of Japan, the US, Australia and India.
Kishi said the timing of the launches represents an obvious provocation and is definitely unforgivable. He and Austin condemned them, saying they violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and threaten the peace and stability of the region and the international community.
The two sides also confirmed that they will advance trilateral cooperation among Japan, the US and South Korea.
Kishi told reporters after the talks that a missile launched at around 5:59 a.m. on Wednesday is believed to be an ICBM-class one. He said that it may be the same type as the one North Korea fired on February 27.
Kishi also mentioned a joint flight exercise over the Sea of Japan on Wednesday with fighter jets from both the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and the US military.
The minister said the maneuver demonstrated the response readiness and close cooperation of the bilateral alliance. He added that Japan will further strengthen the alliance and demonstrate its stance of working with the US.