Press Releases
Foreign Minister Hayashi received a courtesy call by Commander Cotton, U.S. Strategic Command
September 1, 2023
On September 1, 2023, commencing at 3 pm, for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from General Anthony J. Cotton, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), during his visit to Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed General Cotton's visit to Japan and stated that the extended deterrence, which is provided around the clock by STRATCOM under the leadership of General Cotton, is critical to Japan's security, and that he would like to express gratitude for the contribution of STRATCOM. Minister Hayashi also stated that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The Minister said that its importance has never been greater under the current circumstances, and that the national security strategies of the two countries are aligned with each other. Then, he mentioned that Japan would like to strengthen Alliance deterrence and response capabilities, including by seeking to create synergies in the implementation of the strategies.
- The two sides exchanged their views on the increasingly severe security environment in the region, including North Korea's increased nuclear and missile activities, and issues concerning China and Russia.
- Furthermore, both sides concurred on the importance of further strengthening bilateral discussions on extended deterrence at various levels, including Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue. General Cotton emphasized the U.S.’s unwavering extended deterrence pledge to Japan and promised that his unit will actively cooperate with the U.S. administration in fulfilling its commitment.