REMARKS BY U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE KERRY AND JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER KISHIDA

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Before Their Meeting
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
February 22, 2013


SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. It’s my great pleasure to welcome the Foreign Minister of Japan, His Excellency Fumio Kishida. We’ve just come from an excellent meeting of the President and the Prime Minister of Japan, and I think it’s fair to say that almost every topic with respect to Japanese-American relations was discussed.

We meet now, two of the three strongest economies in the world, and we meet as very special friends in a very strong alliance, an alliance that I can say to you is really evolving into a global partnership and which is critical to the peace and security of the Asia Pacific.

I want to particularly thank the people of Japan and the leadership of Japan for their extraordinary cooperation on a number of global issues: on counterterrorism - the efforts with respect to Afghanistan; where Japan has been a major partner - efforts in Mali most recently; where we regret the loss of life and we particularly express our sympathies to Japan for the loss of 10 citizens at the In Amenas facility. And Japan has worked hard with respect to the issue of nuclear nonproliferation. They have been an important partner in reducing the level of fuel being used and bought, purchased from Iran. They’ve been important with respect to the enforcement of sanctions.

Japan is also a very important partner in efforts to try to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and the Prime Minister raised this issue in the conversation with the President. And Japan, importantly, has been part of the Major Economies Forum and the Clean Climate Coalition and other initiatives, and I think the Minister and I look forward to following up on the discussion that was initiated by the President and the Prime Minister earlier.

Just to underscore the importance of the relationship with Japan, obviously everybody has been aware of tensions around the Senkakus Islands, and I want to compliment Japan on the restraint that it has shown, its efforts to try to make sure that this does not flare up into a significant confrontation. And we make it clear with respect to the Republic of – the Democratic Republic of North Korea, which has recently engaged in very reckless behavior with its nuclear test, that we believe the alliance with Japan is strong, our security commitments with Japan are real and we stand behind them, and they are strong.

So I welcome the Foreign Minister here. There are a number of things that are less critical, I think, that we will be talking about, but I look forward to a good discussion. And most importantly, I look forward to this very important continued global alliance and partnership that we have built. Thank you for visiting us, Minister.

FOREIGN MINISTER KISHIDA: (Via interpreter) Let me start by saying that I appreciate the kind and powerful messages and words from Secretary Kerry with regard to Japan. Right after taking office as Secretary of State, we have had two opportunities so far to talk to each other over the phone, and this is our first meeting – face-to-face meeting, and certainly it is my pleasure to see you in person this time.

With Mr. Secretary, I certainly have looked forward to having discussions on the Japan-U.S. alliance, as well as how we respond to the situations in the Asia Pacific, in the Middle East, as well as the Sahel, and also how we look forward to working on global issues such as counterterrorism and also the issue of environment. And I certainly look forward to having a discussion, and also, by doing so, we would like to deepen our cooperation.

Just a while ago both Mr. Secretary and myself attended the Japan-U.S. summit meeting and during the meeting both leaders had a candid discussion to cover issues such as the economy, security affairs, as well as foreign policy challenges. And I would like to underscore that the meeting was indeed very meaningful. And right now we are going to have the Japan-U.S. foreign ministers meeting with Mr. Secretary, and by having this meeting we would like to do a follow-up based on the outcome of the discussion of the summit meeting. And also, we would like to have the exchange of opinions on the regional affairs.

Obviously, the Japan-U.S. alliance is a lynchpin of the – Japan’s foreign policy, and by working together hand in hand with Mr. Secretary, we would like to achieve progress in reinforcing the Japan-U.S. alliance. And once again, thank you very much for taking the time out to have the foreign ministers meeting today.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Thank you.

JAPAN TO HAVE NEW ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE RADAR INSTALLATION



U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta meets with Japanese Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto in Tokyo, Sept. 17, 2012. DOD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

U.S., Japan Agree to Add Second Radar Installation
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

TOKYO, Sept. 17, 2012 - The United States and Japan have agreed to add a second U.S. anti-ballistic missile radar installation in Japan, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced here today.

During a news conference following separate meetings with Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Koichiro Gemba and Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto, Panetta and Morimoto both discussed the radar's significance.

The agreement "reflects our joint commitment to this alliance, and to promoting peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region," Panetta said.

A defense official traveling with PanettaTPY-2, will augment one previously set up in Shariki on the northern part of Honshu island. A team from the United States arrived in Japan this week to work with Japanese officials in determining a site for the new radar, the official added.

The official said the radar is not a defense against China, but rather against the growing ballistic missile threat North Korea poses to "the U.S. homeland as well as U.S. citizens, our deployed forces, allies and partners in the region."

"U.S. missile defense and Japan are focused on deterring North Korean aggression," the official said, "and if deterrence fails, defending against the growing arsenal of North Korean ballistic missiles. North Korea has hundreds of ballistic missiles that can threaten our interests ... [as well as] other countries in the region."

The official said the land-based system will bolster regional security and allow flexibility in deploying ships equipped with the same radar, now stationed in the Asia-Pacific region, to other parts of the world as needed.

"The U.S. has been committed to the collective regional security of the Asia-Pacific region for decades, and to that end we cooperate with our partners on a broad range of capabilities, including missile defense," the official said.

According to a Missile Defense Agency fact sheet, the AN-TPY-2 is an X-band, high-resolution, phased-array radar designed specifically for ballistic missile defense, capable of tracking all classes of ballistic missiles and identifying small objects at long distances.

Used with the Ballistic Missile Defense System, the AN-TPY-2 acts as advanced "eyes" for the system, detecting ballistic missiles early in their flight and providing precise tracking information for the system's use.

U.S. DEPUTY OF DEFENSE CARTER MEETS WITH JAPANES OFFICIALS IN TOKYO

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter meets with Japanese Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto in Tokyo, July 20, 2012. Japan is the third stop for Carter during a 10-day Asia-Pacific tour meeting with leaders in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Offier 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley.FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Carter: U.S., Japan Both 'Thinking Big' on StrategyBy Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

TOKYO, July 21, 2012 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter told reporters here today that as the United States rebalances its defense strategy toward the Asia-Pacific, "our central and anchoring" ally, Japan, is also beginning a strategic shift.

The deputy secretary, who arrived here July 20 as part of a 10-day Asia-Pacific tour, has met with Japanese government leaders including Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto and Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Shu Watanabe. Carter said those meetings left him feeling Japan's government leaders are expanding their strategic thinking "both functionally and geographically."

The deputy secretary spoke here during a press briefing with a number of regional media representatives. He said U.S. leaders welcome Japan's growing strategic interests, and will "work with the government of Japan and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to realize that vision."

"We're both, in a sense, thinking big and thinking strategically at the same time," he added. "That has great potential."

Carter noted his visit to Asia-Pacific nations, which will also include stops in Thailand, India and South Korea, follows similar trips by President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.

Those visits, Carter noted, focused on articulating the new strategy, which the president announced in January. His own presence here, he added, is aimed at getting the gears turning.

"They sent me here because my job as the chief management officer of the Department of Defense is to implement that vision," the deputy secretary said. "I came to this region to meet with our friends and partners and allies -- [and] to meet with and assess our own forces throughout the region -- with an eye to carrying out that turning of the strategic corner."

Carter said while growth is slowing in the United States' defense budget, the necessary resources are available to fund the new Asia-Pacific focus.

"All of the capacity that has been tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan for the last 10 years is capacity that we can focus now on the Asia-Pacific region, and that's a tremendous amount of capability," he said.

Within the existing defense budget, Carter added, "We are shifting the weight of our innovation and investment from counterinsurgency-type warfare to the kinds of capabilities that are most relevant to the Asia-Pacific theater."

He noted putting the strategy in place is "just a matter of making it happen, and deciding which specific things to do."

Defense leaders are determined to make those decisions in consultation with U.S. friends and allies, the deputy secretary said.

Carter said Japan is America's central regional ally and has been for many decades.

"Naturally I come here first, to Tokyo," he said.

The U.S. and Japan, he added, have "tremendous momentum in many, many areas: joint planning, technology sharing, [and] joint exercises and training."

Carter traveled to Japan from Guam. He noted that Guam, an island U.S. territory, offers important training opportunities for both U.S. and Japanese forces.

"In both of our countries, it becomes more and more difficult to do the kind of training that requires access to wide areas of territory," he said. "And that is possible in Guam, so that's a great opportunity for both of us."

Carter added that Guam is also important to both nations as a consequence of the "2+2" agreement U.S. and Japanese defense and diplomatic leaders signed in April.

Under that agreement, nearly 5,000 U.S. Marines currently stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa will transfer to Guam, while the United States will return to Japan much of the land in Okinawa those forces now use.

"The 2+2 agreement with respect to the movement of Marines to Guam was a great milestone," Carter said. "From my point of view I'm very optimistic that there's momentum on both sides to implement the agreement. I think that's the way forward."

The U.S. and Japan have long debated how to relocate many of the Marines on Guam, Carter said, noting the issue was settled "by the 2+2 agreement and I think that is a very good thing."

Carter added that Guam represents more than just a new site for the rotational deployment of Marines.

"There's a large Air Force base, there's a large Navy base; Japanese forces have been to each and exercised from each, and those are important capabilities irrespective of the Marine Corps issue," he said.

Carter has also taken part on discussions with the new commander of U.S. Forces Japan, Air Force Lt. Gen. Salvatore A. Angelella, who took command July 20. The deputy secretary told reporters the general "will be a great partner for the government of Japan."

In every way, the deputy secretary said, there is a lot of forward progress in the U.S.-Japanese alliance.

"It's a great time to be here, [and a] great time of new purpose and new horizons," Carter said.

U.S. OFFICIAL REMARKS WITH JAPANESE MINISTER

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), right, conducts a replenishment at sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Towada-class fast-combat support ship JS Hamana (AOE 424) during Pacific Bond 2012. With the two ships are the Hatakaze-class destroyer JS Shimakaze (DDG 172) and the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155). Pacific Bond 2012 is a U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force maritime exercise intended to improve interoperability and further relations between the nations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes (Released) 


FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Remarks to the Media Prior to and After Their Meeting
Remarks
Robert R. King
Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues Japanese Minister for the Abduction Issue Jin Matsubara
Tokyo, Japan
June 8, 2012
MINISTER MATSUBARA (Interpreted from Japanese): As far as Japan's position on the abduction issue is concerned, as clearly stated by Prime Minister Noda in his responses to questions that were raised in Diet sessions, we take the position that no normalization of Japan's relations with North Korea (is possible) without the resolution of the abduction issue.
Furthermore,
we share the recognition that it is extremely difficult to provide any humanitarian assistance without resolution of the abduction issue. The other side of the point, though, is if we see progress on the abduction issue from them it allows us to be in a position to provide humanitarian aid.

At any rate, I believe that the issue of abductees by the DPRK is a very grave humanitarian issue and of human rights. I think it is a race against time because of the aging of the families and the abductees. Symbolically speaking, I believe that Japanese as a whole would really sense that the abduction issue has been resolved when they see a scene of the Yokotas embracing Megumi Yokota.

So I would again like to reiterate my welcome to you, Ambassador, and I would also like to request for your continued support in the resolution of this issue.

AMBASSADOR KING: Mr. Minister, as you know, the United States has been very supportive of Japanese efforts to see the return of these abductees. We will continue to follow that policy and are supportive of what you're doing in terms of seeing the enactment of these returns. Japan is a key partner to the United States, and with South Korea, as we seek to resolve the problems and difficulties in our relationship with North Korea, we want to make sure that we coordinate and cooperate with your government on our policy towards North Korea

U.S. JAPAN ALLIANCE IN THE NEW WORLD ORDER

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

New Joint Vision to Guide U.S.-Japan Alliance, Obama Says

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2012 - A new joint vision with Japan will help to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region for decades to come, President Barack Obama said today.

Standing alongside Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at a White House news conference, Obama referred to Japan as "one of America's closest allies in the Asia-Pacific region" and around the world.

"First, we recognize that the U.S.-Japan alliance will remain the foundation of the security and prosperity of our two nations, but also a cornerstone of regional peace and security," Obama said. "As such, we reviewed the agreement that our governments reached last week to realign American forces in Japan."

The agreement reflects the U.S. effort to modernize its defense posture in the Asia-Pacific region with forces that are more broadly distributed, more flexible and more sustainable, the president said. "At the same time," he added, it will reduce the impact on local communities like Okinawa."

Speaking through a translator, Noda reaffirmed the significance of the two nations' cooperation.

"We were able to confirm from broader perspectives the present-day significance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and where the Japan-U.S. relations should be headed in the longer term," he said.

"Now, I've always held the conviction that our bilateral alliance is the linchpin of Japan's diplomacy," he added. "Having had conversations with my with U.S. friends, yesterday only renews my conviction that Japan-U.S. alliance must be unchangeable and, in fact, be unshakable."

The president detailed the joint vision, noting that it commits both countries to deepening their mutual trade and investments.

"We're already among each other's top trading partners, and our exports to Japan and Japanese companies here in the U.S. support more than 1 million American jobs," Obama said, adding that more remains to be done as the country works to double U.S. exports.

"We instructed our teams to continue our consultation regarding Japan's interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would benefit both our economies and the region," he said. "And we agreed to deepen our cooperation on nuclear safety, clean energy and cyber security to enhance our economic competitiveness."

the third part of this joint vision lays out the future the United States seeks in the Asia-Pacific region, the president said: "a region where international rules and norms are upheld, where nations contribute to regional security, where commerce and freedom of navigation is not impeded and where disputes are resolved peacefully."

Obama said both countries will also remain in close consultation on North Korea and will continue to discuss changes in Burma and India, and how to reward progress there while encouraging more reform.

The president also commended Japan for "strong leadership" regarding Iran's nuclear program with its decision to reduce oil imports from Iran.

"This is just one more example of how despite challenging times at home, Japan has continued to serve as a model and a true global leader," Obama said.

The president also noted this joint vision reaffirms the U.S. and Japan's role as global partners "bound by shared values and committed to international peace, security and human rights."

"For example, our nations are the largest donors in Afghanistan," Obama said. "As we plan for the NATO summit in Chicago and the next phase of the transition in Afghanistan, Japan is planning for a donor conference to sustain development there."

Noda thanked the United States for its "unsparing support" during Operation Tomodachi, the response following the March 11, 2011, 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami disaster in eastern Japan.

"[The] Japan-U.S. alliance has reached new heights," Noda said. "Together with President Obama, I shall firmly advance these steps."

The president thanked Noda for helping to revitalize the U.S.-Japanese alliance and providing greater security and prosperity for both countries.

"I once again want to salute the people of Japan for the strength and the resilience and the courage that they've shown during this past year," Obama said. "More than ever, the American people are proud to call you a friend, and honored to call you an ally."

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SPEAKS ABOUT UPCOMING TALKS BETWEEN U.S. AND JAPAN

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks at Narita Airport
Remarks Kurt M. Campbell
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Tokyo, Japan
April 15, 2012
ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: Well let me just say good afternoon everyone, I’m sorry to have people coming out on Sunday afternoon, but it’s very good to be back in Tokyo. I am here along with a team from the Department of Defense and my colleague Peter Lavoy, for consultations with Japanese counterparts. We’re going to be discussing a number of things, upcoming high-level diplomacy, force posture issues in Asia, developments in Okinawa. We’ll also be talking about areas of cooperation [between] the United States and Japan in Afghanistan, the work we are doing in advance of the ASEAN Regional Forum, and a variety of other bilateral engagements. Obviously we’ll be discussing recent developments in North Korea, we will be wanting to listen carefully to Japanese views about next steps.

I’ll also be travelling to South Korea on this trip to have similar consultations with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense officials. I think as you know, discussions are underway at the United Nations. The United States is in the Chair at the Security Council and I think there is a very strong sense among the partners, and you’ve seen it in the statements from the White House, from the G8, from Ambassador Rice, very strong condemnation of the provocative action that North Korea has taken that is in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and very clear and determined effort to send a strong message that further provocations would be most unwelcome. I’ll have a couple of other opportunities to give statements during the day tomorrow, but I’m happy to take a couple of very quick questions.

QUESTION: Sir, North Koreans have just revealed what appears to be a new missile in their parade today. Do you have any information on this?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: I’m sorry, I just got off the airplane, so I’ll have to get briefed but I’ll catch up with my colleagues about that.

QUESTION: Any comments on Kim Jong Un, apparently he just spoke for the first time.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: Again, I apologize, I just got off a 14 hour flight so I haven’t been briefed on that.

QUESTION: According to news, he announced that North Korea would be a strong military nation. How would you respond to that?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: Let me just say again, I haven’t had the opportunity to get briefed on what he has said, once I have a chance to learn a little bit more I’ll be happy to provide some commentary.
Thank you all very much.