Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke with Japan Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera today to discuss a range of U.S.-Japan Alliance matters.

Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera condemned North Korea’s reckless and unlawful behavior.  They discussed the importance of maximizing pressure on North Korea so it changes its path, refrains from provocative and threatening actions, and makes a strategic decision to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. 

Secretary Mattis described the North Korean threat as a global problem, and the two officials underscored the importance of garnering international support and cooperating with multinational partners on the pressure campaign.   

Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the United States’ commitments to the defense of Japan and pledged to work closely with Minister Onodera to bolster critical Alliance capabilities.