Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba and U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta (Summary)

On Tuesday, October 25, Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta for about 45 minutes from 3:20 P.M(JST). They exchanged views on deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance, realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan, regional affairs and other issues, as summarized below.

1. Deepening the Japan-U.S. Alliance

Minister Gemba expressed his gratitude for the support that the U.S. brought after the Great East Japan Earthquake and remarked that many Japanese citizens re-acknowledged the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. He also stated that in light of the severe security environment surrounding Japan, the role of the Japan-U.S. alliance is becoming increasingly important, and that he will promote Japan-U.S. cooperation on security and defense in a broad range of areas, including missile defense, extended deterrence, space, cyberspace and information security as well as cooperation on the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan.
Secretary Panetta remarked that the U.S., as a Pacific power, remains committed to maintain and strengthen the presence of the United States Forces in Asia-Pacific, and to contribute toward regional peace and stability. In response to this, Minister Gemba stated that he is encouraged by the strong commitment of the U.S. toward the Asia-Pacific under the circumstance where the U.S. faces the severe financial condition as Japan does.

2. The Realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan

Minister Gemba and Secretary Panetta agreed to implement steadily the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan, including the relocation of Futenma Air Station and the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps from Okinawa to Guam in accordance with the Japan-U.S. agreement.

Minister Gemba stated that though the situation in Okinawa is difficult, Japan is preparing for submission of an environmental impact statement (EIS) by the end of this year, and that a package for reduction of the impact on Okinawa, including a concrete plan of the return of the land south of Kadena must be materialized, while maintaining the deterrence. Within this context, he requested the U.S. to implement steadily the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps from Okinawa to Guam, in line with the Japan-U.S. agreement. Secretary Panetta responded that pressure from the Congress is mounting in the U.S. and he welcomed Minister Gemba’s remarks.  He stated that the U.S. is also committed to the Japan-U.S. agreement and will make the utmost efforts to reduce the impact on Okinawa.

3. Japan-U.S. Cooperation on Security and Defense

Minister Gemba and Secretary Panetta exchanged views on Japan-U.S. cooperation on space, cyberspace and information security. Secretary Panetta stated that cooperation with Japan, that is an ally and a friend of the U.S. in this region, is indispensable to solve international challenges the U.S. is facing, and that he would like to continue to work with Japan to construct a fair international community. Minister Gemba stated that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is a public good of the region, and that he will continue to maintain close cooperation with the U.S.

4. Regional Affairs

(1) Maritime security
Minister Gemba and Secretary Panetta concurred on the importance of securing freedom of navigation in multilateral frameworks and peaceful resolution of conflicts, by upholding relevant international laws.

(2) China
Minister Gemba and Secretary Panetta concurred on the importance of improving openness and transparency with respect to China’s military modernization and activities. Secretary Panetta stated that he will proceed with military exchanges so as to prevent misunderstandings. Minister Gemba responded he will proceed with the building of the Japan-China mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests which is targeting a win-win relationship.