US and Japan Sign Agreement on R&D Cooperation for Hypersonic Weapon Countermeasures

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The governments of the United States and Japan announced that they will sign a new research and development agreement to enhance their response capabilities against the hypersonic missile weapons of North Korea, China, and Russia. As military tensions in Northeast Asia escalate following North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches, the military alliance between the U.S. and Japan is expected to deepen further.

On the 6th (local time), U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in his opening remarks at the U.S.-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) meeting held via video conference, "The two countries will sign a new research and development agreement to respond to new defense threats from North Korea, China, and Russia, including hypersonic weapons and space-based capabilities," emphasizing, "It is more important than ever to strengthen and modernize the long-standing U.S.-Japan alliance."

Secretary Blinken said, "North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile programs continue to pose a persistent threat," adding, "We saw that again this week with the most recent launch." This remark refers to North Korea's test launch of a hypersonic missile on the 5th, reflecting the perception that North Korea's ongoing missile tests pose a threat to the U.S. and its allies.

Secretary Blinken also criticized China and Russia, stating, "They continue to violate international norms on land, sea, and cyberspace," and added, "China's provocative actions continue to raise tensions in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, while Russia is increasing its military presence at the Ukraine border, threatening Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as peace and stability in Europe."

He explained, "These aggressive actions threaten the rules-based international order that both sides have invested significant effort in and that provides the foundation for peace, security, and prosperity for our countries and the world," adding, "To address these evolving threats, our alliance must not only strengthen existing tools but also develop new ones. That is the focus of our discussions."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who also attended, emphasized, "We are witnessing challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions and China's coercive and aggressive behavior," and said, "Against the backdrop of increasing tensions and challenges to a free, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific region, the two countries are meeting."

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "I think it is timely to start this year with this meeting," and added, "This year will be a very important year for Japan's security policy." He further stated, "To firmly guarantee regional peace, stability, and prosperity, it is important for the two countries, which share strategic interests and universal values, to unite and demonstrate leadership," expressing the position that the two countries must closely cooperate to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

During the meeting, both sides coordinated their understanding of the security challenges facing the two countries and discussed directions for regional security and defense cooperation. They are also scheduled to sign the agreement on the cost-sharing for the U.S. forces stationed in Japan, which was finalized last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.