Japan-United States of America Relations
Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 4, 2022
On November 4, commencing at 2:40 p.m. (local time. 10:40 p.m. on November 4, Japan time.), for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Münster, Germany, to attend G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held a meeting with the Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, in light of the increasingly severe security environment, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue close coordination between Japan and the U.S. toward further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his high appreciation for the U.S. National Security Strategy, which was recently released and reiterated the promotion of a “Free and Open Indo-pacific” and the unwavering U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan, including the Senkaku Islands. In response, Secretary Blinken stated that the U.S. would continue close coordination with the allies and partners to defend the free and open international order.
- The two ministers exchanged their views on regional issues.
- (1) The two ministers concurred to continue close coordination in addressing various issues related to China.
- (2) The two ministers concurred to continue close coordination between Japan and the U.S. as well as among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, in accordance with the UNSCRs. Minister Hayashi asked for continued understanding and cooperation for the abductions issue, and gained support from Secretary Blinken.
- (3) The two ministers, regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, confirmed their commitment to impose strong sanctions against Russia and to support Ukraine, in solidarity with the G7 and other like-minded countries. In addition, the two sides confirmed that Russia’s threat by nuclear weapons is a serious menace to the peace and security of the international community and is absolutely unacceptable, let alone the use of such weapons.
- The two ministers shared the recognition that engagement of the U.S. in the economic order in the region is becoming increasingly important. Minister Hayashi, from a strategic perspective, urged the U.S. to return to the TPP at an early timing.
- The two ministers concurred to continue close coordination between Japan and the U.S. toward the G7 Hiroshima summit and G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2023.