Official Statement from the White House.
Today, Japan has taken a bold and historic step to strengthen and defend the free and open Indo-Pacific with the adoption of its new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program.
The strategy sets forth the vision of Prime Minister Kishida and the Japanese people for a broad and strong community of partners and allies in support of peace and stability in the region. Japan’s goal to significantly increase defense investments will also strengthen and modernize the U.S.-Japan Alliance.
The new strategy reinforces Prime Minister Kishida’s deep commitment to international peace and nuclear nonproliferation and sets the stage for Japan’s leadership in 2023, as Japan takes a seat on the United Nations Security Council and hosts the G7.
The US Government is grateful for Prime Minister Kishida’s and Japan’s leadership around the world, including their support for Ukraine as Russia wages its brutal war. They congratulate Prime Minister Kishida and the people of Japan on their historic new National Security Strategy which will help us and our partners achieve lasting peace, stability and prosperity.
End of Statement….
About Prime Minister Kishida.
Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida is an experienced and distinguished public servant. Since taking office in 2012, he has made great strides to deepen Japan’s partnerships abroad and build strong ties with Japan’s neighbors.
His government recently signed hundreds of new trade treaties with countries like China, Taiwan, and South Korea, making him immensely popular among Japan’s trading partners. He also implemented a number of domestic initiatives to stimulate economic growth and create more jobs for Japan’s citizens.
He promoted Japan as a country where innovation can happen by encouraging new businesses from outside Japan to relocate there. In addition, Kishida has committed to reviving Japan’s military power after many years of stagnation.
He increased defense spending to the highest level since 2009 and cultivated closer ties between Japan’s armed forces and its foreign allies. Prime Minister Kishida is an important figure not only in Japan but also in the entire Asian region.
US of Secretary of State commented:
We applaud Japan’s commitment to modernize our Alliance through increased investment in enhanced roles, missions, and capabilities and closer defense cooperation with the United States and other Allies and partners, as outlined in these new documents.
Japan’s strategy converges with our own in recognizing that closer linkages among likeminded nations are paramount to protect shared interests and values and address shared challenges. We welcome the importance Japan places on coordinating with a wider range of partners in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe.
Sources: THX News, The US Dept. of State & The White House.
