1. Summary
Japanese Minister of State for Defense Yoshinori Ono visited Washington on November 19 (Fri.) and met with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for about an hour over lunch to discuss security issues. Minister Ono also consulted that same day with Vice President Richard Cheney and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.
2. Courtesy Call on Vice President Cheney
Minister Ono told Vice President Richard Cheney that there is a close relationship between Japan 's review of National Defense Program Outline and the transformation of U.S. forces now underway in the United States . He noted the need to further discuss the common understandings as to the international security situation and the respective roles of Japan and the U.S.
The Vice President stated that the U.S.-Japan relationship was most important in the arenas of politics, economics and security, and that it contributed to stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.
In response to Minister Ono's comment that consideration should be given to both maintaining deterrence capabilities and reducing the burden of Okinawa, etc. in the review of U.S. force posture around the world, the Vice President stated that he was well aware of that point and that the U.S. must be sensitive to the special burden borne by Okinawa.
3. Japan-U.S. Defense Summit
(1) Reconstruction Assistance of Iraq
Minister Ono told Secretary Rumsfeld that with regard to the impending deadline of December 14 on the deployment of Japanese Self-Defense Forces to Iraq that was set in the Basic Plan regarding Response Measures Based on the Law concerning the Special Measures on Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance in Iraq, there was an ongoing discussion within the Japanese Government of whether to extend the deployment. He also said the success of the January elections was vital to the democratization of Iraq , and that maintaining security in the Samawah district was important for the safety of Self-Defense Force activities.
Secretary Rumsfeld noted that about 30 countries were currently participating, and that he understands that each country is conducting the activity on its own judgment. He said that although the Netherlands had announced that it would withdraw, ensuring security was an important issue that he would like to discuss further with the countries involved. He also expressed his appreciation for the activities of the Self-Defense Forces.
(2) U.S.-Japan Defense Policy (including the review of U.S. force posture)
Minister Ono noted the importance of both countries discussing their assessment of the situation, their roles and missions. Regarding the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan , he stressed the need to understand it would take time to gain the understanding of the local communities, and consider both maintaining deterrence capability and reducing the burden on local communities. Particularly with regard to Okinawa , as Prime Minister Koizumi has said, troop transfers to places both within and outside of Japan could be considered.
Secretary Rumsfeld replied that he understood that the U.S. Base issue was a sensitive one that would require time, and that it is important for both countries to share a common understanding of the international situation and to obtain the understanding of the people. With regard to the U.S. force posture review, he said that the military structured during the Cold War era of the 20 th century was not suited for the 21 st century, and that the U.S. was consulting with its allies in conducting this worldwide review.
Both agreed that in the global realignment, it is necessary to be mindful that the strategic situations in Europe and Asia are different. Secretary Rumsfeld said that the issue was not the number of personnel, but the capabilities--the destructive capability, flexibility, and deployment capability should be enhanced.
(3) Review of Japan 's Defense Policies
Minister Ono said that in light of the new security environment, Japan was reviewing its defense capability to structure a multi-functional and flexible defensive capability, and that because the fight against terrorism was a common issue in the world, international cooperation was vital. He cited the three pillars of Japan 's future defense policies: first, efforts by Japan itself; second, cooperation with its ally, the United States ; and third, international cooperation. He told Secretary Rumsfeld that Japan was now discussing raising the status of international mission to the Self-Defense Force’s main mission in the international arena, and reviewing its three principles on arms exports.
Rumsfeld said that the direction of Japan 's policy review was suitable and that he hoped that Japan would take on an even bigger role in the future.
(4) Regional Situation
Minister Ono mentioned the recent invasion of Japan 's territorial waters by a Chinese submarine, and that China 's defense budget was being significantly increased. Secretary Rumsfeld said that he would like to encourage China to participate in international society in an orderly and peaceful manner.
4. Exchange of Views with Deputy Secretary of State Armitage
Minister Ono explained Japan 's review of its defense policies, to which the Deputy Secretary said that in that process, he paid attention to the direction of emphasizing international mission. He went on to praise the activities of the Self-Defense Forces in Iraq .
Deputy Secretary Armitage further explained that he well understood the importance to reduce the burden of local communities with regard to the U.S. force realignment.
There were also exchanges on North Korea and the invasion of Japanese territorial waters by a Chinese submarine.
(This is the provisional translation of the summary in Japanese made by Japan Defense Agency.)
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