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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Japanese Minister of Defense Hamada Yasukazu at the Pentagon

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Japanese Minister of Defense Hamada Yasukazu at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting, January 12, following the U.S.-Japan 2+2 Security Consultative Committee (2+2) Meeting, January 11. 

Expressing full support for Japan’s 2022 National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program, Secretary Austin welcomed Japan’s decision to strengthen its defense, including in its Southwest Islands, and to acquire counterstrike capabilities. The two leaders reaffirmed the necessity of optimizing Alliance force posture and enhancing our response capabilities through readjustments in the laydown of U.S. forces in Japan, in accordance with the basic tenets of the 2012 Realignment Plan. 

They heralded the stationing of the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment in Japan by 2025, with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, anti-ship, and transportation capabilities, as well as associated posture initiatives as a historic step for the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Secretary Austin underscored the unwavering U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan, including U.S. extended deterrence provided by the full range of conventional and nuclear capabilities. The Ministers affirmed that the Alliance is stalwart in the face of challenges and steadfast in support for shared democratic values and norms that underpin the rules-based international order. 

They welcomed increased co-development opportunities and supply chain security cooperation with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects (RDT&E) and the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA). Both leaders reaffirmed the strategic alignment between the United States and Japan, as well as our shared goals to modernize the Alliance, bolster integrated deterrence, and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region in collaboration with like-minded partners.