Admin l Saturday, February 04, 2017
TOKYO, Japan – The United States remains committed to defend Japan and willing to enhance its alliance for regional peace, prosperity and freedom, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has said.
Mattis made the revelation today at a joint press conference with Japan’s Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada.
According to him, much has changed in Japan since he was stationed there as a young Marine Corps lieutenant.
“But one thing is certain: The alliance between the United States and Japan is enduring and will remain as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. As the Japanese people know so well, jointly we face many security challenges in this region; from the threat of nuclear missile provocations by North Korea to increasingly confrontational behavior by China in the East and the South China Sea, [and] we recognize the changing security situation,” Mattis said.
He said the U.S.-Japan alliance is critical to ensure that the region remains safe and secure, not just now, but for years to come.
He maintained that the United States’ 2015 defense guidelines and Japan’s peace and security legislation lay the foundation for both countries to do much more together to increase interoperability between forces, and to bolster Japan’s capabilities from peacetime to contingency, if needed.
“The United States also remains committed to mutually agreed-upon realignment plans. These include relocating Marines to Guam and reducing our footprint on Okinawa while maintaining the capabilities needed to keep Japan and the region secure,” he said.
“But make no mistake: In my meeting with Japanese leaders, both of our nations recognize that we must not be found complacent in the face of the emerging challenges,” the secretary said.
“As our alliance grows,” Mattis said, “it will be important for both of our nations to continue investing in our defense personnel and capabilities. In this manner, we will ensure that we are true partners today and in the years to come.”
