Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi
Tokyo … News Time
Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have reaffirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-US Security Agreement applies to the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Article 5 places a responsibility on the United States to defend Japanese-administered territories. Defense Secretary Nobuo Kishi and Lloyd Austin spoke by phone Sunday morning, local time in Japan. Nobuo Kishi opposed Japan’s unilateral efforts to forcibly change the status quo. His remarks come at a time when China is increasing its maritime activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The Senkaku Islands are administered by Japan. China and Taiwan claim ownership. The Japanese government maintains that there is no unresolved issue for the sovereignty of these islands. Nobuo Kishi and Austin also reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of all North Korean weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. They also agreed to conclude talks soon on Japan’s share of the costs to US forces stationed in Japan. He confirmed that as soon as the situation affected by the global corona virus improves, they will try to meet face to face as soon as possible. After a telephone conversation Nobuo Kishi pointed out that Austin seems to be very interested in the security situation in Asia and Japan-US alliance is important. He also hoped to build a useful, trusting relationship between the two countries and further strengthen the defense forces to deter others from attacking.
