Japan's Foreign Minister Inspects Us Aircraft Carrier In The Pacific Ocean
Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has inspected the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean.
Hayashi and US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel arrived on the carrier on Saturday. A strike group led by the vessel held joint drills with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force in waters near the country earlier this month.
Hayashi and Emanuel observed a take-off and landing exercise involving F-35 fighter jets. They also talked with the vice admiral commanding the US Navy's 7th Fleet and crewmembers.
Hayashi later told reporters that the exchange was very meaningful.
The minister said he told the US side that the carrier strike group's activities embody Washington's commitment to realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific amid the increasingly severe security environment in the region.
Hayashi said the Japan-US alliance has been serving as the cornerstone of peace and stability in the region and in the international community.
Hayashi said Japan will continue to closely work with the US to further enhance their alliance's deterrence and response capability. He added Japan will also comprehensively strengthen its defense capability.