Japan, Us Defense Ministers To Meet In Guam
Japan's Defense Minister Kono Taro says he will discuss regional issues and cooperation on national security with his US counterpart on Saturday.
Kono said in a news conference on Friday that he will hold talks with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper in Guam. The trip would be Kono's first overseas in about six months.
Kono said he plans to exchange opinions on boosting bilateral cooperation in space, cyber, electromagnetic wave and other areas of national security. He also said he wants to discuss US-Japan cooperation on missile and other defense.
Japan recently withdrew a plan to deploy the land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense system in the country.
Kono commented on China's increased military activity in the South China Sea, including a recent launch of ballistic missiles.
Kono said no country should conduct activity that could heighten military tension. He added that unilateral changes in the current international order cannot be accepted.
