Washington, Oct. 28 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the need for more defense investment to boost deterrence, with China in mind, according to a U.S. Defense Department announcement. At a meeting held in Cebu in the Philippines, the two defense chiefs “underscored the importance of increased defense investment and continued strategic alignment to strengthen deterrence and implement an effective denial defense in the First Island Chain,” the department said. The island chain stretches from Kyushu in southwestern Japan and Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, to Taiwan and the Philippines. Koizumi and Hegseth also “reaffirmed the indispensable role of the U.S.-Japan alliance in preserving peace and stability in the Pacific,” the department said. The defense chiefs discussed efforts to boost deterrence, and agreed to work closely on ammunition production. They are believed to have exchanged views on the Japanese government’s planned revision of the country’s three key national security documents at the end of this year. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressing Japan to increase its defense spending. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
