Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo on January 7, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. During the meeting, Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi for his contributions to Japan's global leadership both during his tenure as foreign minister and in his current position.
The discussions between the two officials covered several key issues. They addressed the growing military cooperation between North Korea (DPRK) and Russia, as well as China's (PRC) activities in the South China Sea, which were described as dangerous and destabilizing. Both parties emphasized the significance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to defending Japan.
