Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in Tokyo. The meeting focused on the achievements in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Japan over the past four years. They discussed the U.S.-Japan Alliance, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their discussions, both officials reaffirmed their countries' commitment to standing together as allies within a global partnership. The conversation also covered advancing U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation, which they noted is crucial for regional security, stability, and prosperity.
Another key topic was China's actions in the South China Sea, specifically its blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. This behavior was described as threatening to navigation and overflight freedoms for all nations.
Blinken and Iwaya also expressed strong support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing aggression. The Secretary condemned North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia and voiced concerns about China's support for Russia's defense industrial base.
