Japan-Czech Republic Defense Ministerial Meeting Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting

Transcription

1 The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces 72 No. Jan JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS TOPICS Sixth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations MEETING WITH FOREIGN LEADERS Look Back on the Year of 2015 Japan-Czech Republic Japan-Australia Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, Chief of Joint Staff Met with Chief of Defence Force, Malaysian Armed Forces Minister of Defense Nakatani visits Commander Harris, U.S. Pacific Command, and Others The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation Japan-Georgia Dogo-onsen Hot Spring Cover Photograph : Sixth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations Japan-Georgia Japan-Czech Republic MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

2 Special Feature Topics Look Back on the Year of 2015 As the new year of 2016 starts, the JDF issue takes a look back at the MOD/SDF activities in JAN FEB February 9-20 Multilateral Training Exercise - Cobra Gold 15 February 9-22 North Wind 2 -Field Training Exercise between GSDF and U.S. Army- MAR December SDF s Disaster Relief Activities of SAR Operation for the Missing Indonesian Air Asia Flight Defense Minister Nakatani s Overseas Visit to Djibouti, South Sudan, and the United Kingdom 21 Japan-UK Foreign and 27 - March 12 Cope North Guam -Japan-U.S.-Australia Joint Exercise in Guam 29 Japan-Philippines March 13 Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministers Meeting March 14 Japan-Colombia April 8 Japan-U.S. March 14 Japan-France APR April 27 - May 22 SDF s International Disaster Relief Activities in Nepal March 18 Minister Nakatani s Meeting with Vice President of South Sudan March 20 Japan-Timor Leste April 27 The Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee April 28 Japan-U.S. MAY June 3 Japan-Australia JUN June 7 FY2015 Japan-U.S. Joint Exercise for Rescue March 30 Japan-India May The 14th IISS Asia Security Summit ~Shangri-La Dialogue~ May - August Participation in Pacific Partnership 2015 JUL June 20 - July 1 Multinational Joint Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 in Mongolia AUG July 21 Defense of Japan 2015 Issued August 23 Fuji Firepower Review 2015 July 27 - August 28 Participation in Red Flag-Alaska Exercise in the U.S. August Northern Rescue Disaster Relief Exercise for GSDF Northern Army - September 7 SEP The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense ViceMinisterial Forum August 31 - September 9 Dawn Blitz 2015 Field Training Exercise in the U.S. September 8-25 Rising Thunder -FY2015 Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Army- OCT September Disaster Relief Activity in the Wake of a Heavy Rain in Kanto and Tohoku Regions October 1 MOD s Reorganization October 18 Japan Self-Defense Forces Fleet Review 2015 October 20 Japan-Republic of Korea December 4 Japan-Czech Republic Defense Ministerial Meeting December 17 Japan-Indonesia Foreign and December 17 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting 2 NOV November 4 Third ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting - Plus November 6 Japan-Vietnam November 12 Japan-Georgia DEC November SDF Marching Festival 2015 November 22 Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations November 22 Japan-Australia Sixth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Julie Bishop and the Australian Defence Minister, Ms. Marise Payne, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, the Defense Minister of Japan, Mr. Gen Nakatani, met in Sydney on 22 November for the Sixth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations. Australia welcomed Japan s recent passage of Legislation for Peace and Security which will enable Japan to contribute even more actively in securing peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world from the policy of Proactive Contribution to Peace. Australia also supported Japan s review of exercising its right of collective self-defense in a limited manner, participating more actively in United Nations peace-keeping missions, and introducing new principles for the transfer of defense equipment and technology. Enhanced bilateral defense cooperation is a priority for both Australia and Japan. Ministers welcomed the progress made towards implementing the recommendations developed for and endorsed by Leaders in 2014 that would elevate the bilateral security and defense relationship to a new level, building on the 2007 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. These recommendations included options for enhancing training and exercises, increased personnel exchanges, deepening cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, peacekeeping, capacity building and enhanced trilateral defense cooperation with the United States. Based on progress already made, Ministers identified new initiatives to further enhance bilateral defense engagement and renewed their determination to strengthen cooperation in this area. Ministers also welcomed substantial progress in negotiations towards making an agreement that would reciprocally improve administrative, policy and legal procedures to facilitate joint operations and exercises. They encouraged continued progress, with a view to concluding negotiations at the earliest possible opportunity. Japanese Ministers explained Japan s commitment to fulfilling all the requirements in the Competitive Evaluation Process underway to select an international partner to assist in the delivery of Australia s Future Submarine. Australian Ministers welcomed Japan s participation in the Process and noted Japan s commitment to it. Both countries welcomed the continued contributions of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) to fostering cooperation and dialogue on security issues. They expect to work closely to advance the agenda of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Ministers reaffirmed the importance of promoting the rule of law at sea. They expressed their strong opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions that could alter the status quo in the East China Sea. They expressed strong concern over the recent situation in the South China Sea and reiterated their strong opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions that could alter the status quo in the South China Sea. They called on all claimants to halt large scale land reclamation, construction, and use for military purposes. They urged claimants to exercise restraint, take steps to ease tensions and refrain from provocative actions that could escalate tensions. They called on claimants to clarify and pursue territorial claims and accompanying maritime rights in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In this regard, they supported the right of claimants to seek to resolve disputes peacefully, including through arbitration. They took note of the ongoing arbitration case under the UNCLOS brought by the Philippines, affirming that decisions of the arbitral tribunal are legally binding. They also called for the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to ensure the full and effective implementation of commitments under the Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DoC), and to reach agreement on a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (CoC) as soon as possible. They emphasized the importance of the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea enjoyed by all states in accordance with international law. Ministers recognized that all states have a right under international law to freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, including in the South China Sea. Both Australia and Japan strongly supported those rights. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with China through dialogue, cooperation, and engagement. Ministers reiterated their concern that North Korea remained a serious destabilizing factor for the entire East Asia region and discussed humanitarian concerns. They urged North Korea to comply fully with its international obligations and commitments and to take concrete steps towards denuclearization, and called on North Korea to terminate its inhumane and arbitrary human rights policies and address the unresolved abductions issue. Ministers exchanged views on the regional and international security situation and reaffirmed that their respective Alliances with the United States made a significant contribution to peace and security in the region. Ministers underscored the importance of strong U.S. engagement in the region and strong support for the U.S. rebalance. Ministers discussed the strength of their respective bilateral security relationships with the United States, and commitment to further enhancing trilateral cooperation, including through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD). November Minister Nakatani s Visit to U.S. Pacific Command, and Others 3

3 Japan-Australia On November 22nd, Defense Minister Nakatani met with his Australian counterpart, Defence Minister Payne in Sydney for a. During the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on a broad range of topics including the situation in the South China Sea and bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, such as joint training, personnel exchanges, and Japan-Australia submarine cooperation. Japan-Georgia Defense Minister Nakatani held a defense ministerial meeting with Defence Minister of Georgia Khidasheli on November 12th in Tokyo and exchanged views on defense policies of the two countries and future defense exchanges. Before the meeting, both Ministers signed Memorandum on defense exchange between the MOD of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of Georgia. The Memorandum states the facilitation of defense exchange between the two countries through working level exchanges and exchanges in education and research fields. 1. Opening Remarks Minister of Defense Nakatani Visits Commander Harris, U.S. Pacific Command, and Others From November 22nd to 24th (local time), Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visited Hawaii and met with Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and others, as well as received tours of the U.S. Forces. Mahoney also explained preventive measures. Minister Nakatani once again requested that the safety of Osprey flights be ensured. Meeting with Commander Harris, U.S. Pacific Command During the meeting, Minister Nakatani and Admiral Harris confirmed that closer cooperation with the USPACOM will be implemented in the future given the establishment of the Alliance Coordination Mechanism (ACM) and the Bilateral Planning Mechanism (BPM). With regard to the situation in the South China Sea, Minister Nakatani conveyed that the efforts made by the U.S. Forces are playing a leading role among the international community to protect the open, free and peaceful seas and that Japan supports the USPACOM, which is fulfilling its important responsibility at the frontline of such initiative. They affirmed the importance of JapanU.S.-ROK and Japan-U.S.-Australia cooperation as well as strengthening cooperation intended for regional peace and stability through joint training exercises including transit together on the high seas, and capacity building assistance for Southeast Asian countries. Furthermore, Minister Nakatani requested further mitigation of impact on Okinawa, including the relocation of the U.S. Marine Forces in Okinawa to Guam. Meeting with Commanding General Brooks, U.S. Army Pacific Minister Nakatani and General Brooks, Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific, exchanged their views on how future cooperation between the GSDF and U.S. Army Pacific should be, especially such cooperation after the scheduled establishment of the new Ground Central Command in FY2017. They agreed to promote Japan-U.S.-ROK and Japan-U.S.Australia cooperation. Meeting with Deputy Commander Mahoney, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Brigadier General Mahoney, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, briefed Minister Nakatani on the cause of the hard landing of an MV-22 that occurred earlier in Hawaii in May this year. Brigadier General 4 Meeting with Commander Swift, U.S. Pacific Fleet Minister Nakatani and Admiral Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, exchanged their views on the regional situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea as well as on capacity building assistance for Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines and Vietnam. Meeting with Commander Robinson, Pacific Air Forces Minister Nakatani and General Robinson, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, agreed to further advance cooperation in joint exercises between the ASDF and Pacific Air Forces. They also exchanged their views on Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). Minister Nakatani welcomed the visit by Minister Khidasheli and stated that the signing of the Memorandum on Japan-Georgia defense exchange represents a large first step forward for the development of defense exchanges between the two countries. In response, Minister Khidasheli expressed her appreciation for the hosting of her visit and noted her intention to engage in more active defense exchanges between Japan and Georgia. 2. Defense Policy Minister Nakatani explained Proactive Contribution to Peace based on the principle of international cooperation and Japan s Legislation for Peace and Security. Minister Khidasheli welcomed Japan s efforts. 3. Regional Situation Both ministers exchanged views on regional situation surrounding the two countries and reaffirmed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law. 4. Defense Exchanges between Japan and Georgia Both ministers expressed their expectations for working level exchanges as well as education and research in the future under the signed Memorandum, and shared the view that they will exchange views on mutual matters of interest including regional situations surrounding the two countries. Japan-Czech Republic On December 4th, Minster of Defense Gen Nakatani held a ministerial meeting with Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic Martin Stropnicky during his visit to Japan. During their meeting, the two ministers shared their views on both countries defense policies and the potential for future defense exchanges. In addition, they talked about the regional situation and other matters during a working lunch. 1. Opening Remarks Minister Nakatani welcomed Minister Stropnicky on his first visit to Japan and stated that this meeting represented a significant first step in defense exchanges between the two countries. In response, Minister Stropnicky expressed his appreciation for being hosted for this visit and his expectations that this visit will pave the way for defense exchanges between Japan and the Czech Republic. 2. Defense Policy of Both Countries Minister Nakatani explained about Japan s Legislation for Peace and Security and the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and in response Minister Stropnicky stated his support for Japan s initiatives. 3. Potential for Defense Exchanges Both ministers shared the same awareness that this meeting presented a meaningful opportunity for deepening understanding of the situation surrounding each country and both countries initiatives. They also agreed to create future opportunities for discussions and to sharing matters of interest for both parties. 5

4 Activities The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., met with the SDF Chief of the Joint Staff, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano on November 4th, 2015 at the MOD in Tokyo. They shared their perspectives on the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and discussed strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Both reaffirmed that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has played an indispensable role in ensuring the peace and security of both countries, as well as the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. They also shared recognition of the need to expand alliance cooperation. 1 Both discussed Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, and the importance of swiftly implementing them to enhance the Alliance s deterrence and its ability to respond to crises. They discussed approaches to common challenges in the region, their shared recognition of the importance of rule of law in the international community, and the importance of strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance to continue ensuring security and stability in the region Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, Chief of Joint Staff Met with Chief of Defence Force, Malaysian Armed Forces On November 24th, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, Chief of Defence Force, Malaysian Armed Forces, paid an official visit to the MOD at the invitation of Admiral Kawano, Chief of Joint Staff. This marked the second official visit by Malaysia s Chief of Defence Force and the first in 12 years since At the meeting, both parties confirmed that Japan and Malaysia will work together in the field of security and continue close collaboration for the peace and stability of the region, based on the shared awareness that ensuring peace and stability in the region is essential to achieving a prosperous international society. Admiral Kawano welcomed the progress of defense cooperation and exchange between both countries in recent years through the SDF s participation in multilateral training exercises organized by Malaysia in order to enhance multilateral interoperability in U.N. peacekeeping operations. He also confirmed that further cooperation will take place through personnel exchanges between the PKO 6 centers of each country and future involvement in similar joint training exercises. Admiral Kawano also stated that the SDF will continue its cooperation through various initiatives within the multilateral framework of ASEAN, for which Malaysia is serving as Chair this year. General Zulkifeli expressed his appreciation for the SDF s dispatching of P-3C and C-130 aircraft to aid in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight in the Indian Ocean in March He also stated that the Malaysian Armed Forces will actively cooperate in order to improve disaster response capabilities in the overall ASEAN region through the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, which Japan and Laos currently serve as co-chairs. General Zulkifeli shared his expectations for various activities of the SDF being conducted within ASEAN for the peace and stability of the region. 1 : Group photograph of the 8 Fellows from the 20th class of the Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program hosted by the MOD / 2 : GSDF Personnel and Mansfield Fellow taking part in Multilateral Logistics Staff Talks (MLST) (November 26, 2015) / 3 : Mansfield Fellow receiving a briefing at Air Staff Office (December 21, 2015) / 4 : An exchange of ideas between a Mansfield Fellow and ASDF Personnel of Air Communications and Systems Wing (September 25, 2015) The Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for U.S. federal government employees to undertake placements in the Government of Japan (GOJ) and other organizations for a period of about one year under an agreement between the two governments. Named after former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mike Mansfield, who was known as a Japanophile, the program aims at providing U.S. federal government employees with an in-depth knowledge of GOJ in order to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. The MOD has hosted Fellows since FY2015 marks its 20th year, and we received eight Fellows, the largest total so far. As a host-ministry, the MOD welcomes Fellows at a wide-range of sub-organizations, such as the Internal Bureau, respective Staff Offices, SDF units, the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, and other related organizations, based on their professional background and needs. For example, a Fellow from the U.S. Marine Corps who desires to work as a liaison officer with the GSDF in the future took part in three months of placements at the Ground Staff Office, where he received various briefings on the current situation and future structure of the GSDF, such as the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. The Fellow also took part in YS-69, the largest Japan-U.S. joint command post exercise, where he learned about interoperability between the GSDF and the U.S. Army. Also, he participated in Multilateral Logistics Staff Talks (MLST) as an organizer with other GSDF staff members and played an important role as a liaison officer for the participants from other countries. Fellows are assigned a seat at MOD/SDF offices together with Japanese colleagues where they carry out professional assignments and engage in active discussions with various professionals, including SDF personnel, policymakers, and engineers. Fellows have commented that these are valuable opportunities to be involved in the alliance management in the future. Furthermore, Fellows provide their own views based on the wealth of experience in the U.S. Government, which affords people at the placement organization many opportunities to learn as well. This makes the program extremely meaningful for both Japanese and U.S. sides. We expect the Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program contributes to further deepen the Japan-U.S. Alliance by increasing the number of U.S. Government officials with in-depth knowledge of the MOD/SDF. Therefore, we would like to continue to provide Fellows with beneficial professional development opportunities in the future. 7

5 Column Dogo-onsen Hot Spring TOKYO Matsuyama D ogo-onsen Hot Spring, located in Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, is considered to be Japan s oldest known hot spring spa, with a history dating back 3,000 years. This history is said to have begun when a white heron with a wounded leg was healed by the hot spring water. Ever since, Dogo-onsen Hot Spring has appeared in various historical records since mythological times. Dogo-onsen Hot Spring has been visited by countless people including the Imperial Family as well as various politicians and writers. Today, the Dogo-onsen Main Building (Honkan), a popular and busy public bath and notable landmark, is located in the heart of Dogo-onsen Hot Spring area. The current Main Building (Honkan) was reconstructed in 1894 and this historic structure today maintains the same look as when it was rebuilt. GSDF Camp Matsuyama is located in Matsuyama City perched atop the Dogo Plain, which offers commanding views of the islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea and unique seasonal flair during the spring and autumn. The unit stationed here takes part in daily training exercises in preparation to protect its hometown. The unit station at GSDF Camp Matsuyama belongs to the GSDF 14th Brigade, which is located in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, also on the island of Shikoku. The GSDF 14th Brigade has a mission to defend and protect Shikoku s four prefectures, assist with disaster relief, and promote cooperation with civilians. LATEST NEWS Site Visit by Defense Minister Nakatani: GSDF Camp Tsushima, MSDF Tsushima District, and ASDF Unishima Sub Base (Nagasaki Prefecture) (Nov ) Japan-Indonesia Official Visit to Yamaguchi Prefecture by Defense Minister Nakatani: MCAS Iwakuni Air Base, MSDF Iwakuni Air Base, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and Iwakuni City (Dec. 2-3) Japan-Indonesia Foreign and (Dec. 17) ASDF Unishima Sub Base Japan-Indonesia (Dec.17) Japan-Indonesia JDF NEWSLETTER Be the first to receive updates! Send us a blank message at jdfmod@mod.go.jp to sign up for our newsletter. For inquiry, contact following office: Public Affairs Division, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL: (switch board) Web: November 2015: " We Are Tomodachi Autumn/Winter 2015" 8 Released