Secretary of Defense Ash Carter held a bilateral meeting today with the new Japanese Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada, at the Pentagon.

During their inaugural meeting, the two leaders discussed the rapidly evolving security environment, including the persistent North Korean threat and maritime issues in the East and South China Seas.  Secretary Carter affirmed that the Senkaku islands are administered by Japan and fall under Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty.  They also affirmed both governments’ determination to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation, and to continue to conduct maritime operations in accordance with international law.

Secretary Carter and Minister Inada exchanged views on building a principled and inclusive security network in the Asia-Pacific, to include enhancing trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea, Australia, and India.  They also discussed building the capacity and capability of Southeast Asian partners through dialogue, exercises, training, and defense equipment cooperation.

The two leaders committed to further efforts to transform the alliance by implementing the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation, and reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains unwavering and continues to serve as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.