Japan/US defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu held talks on Thursday with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is visiting Japan. The defense chiefs of Japan and the United States have confirmed their close coordination in preparing for another launch of what North Korea calls a military spy satellite.

Hamada said Japan condemns North Korea's launch of a suspected ballistic missile on Wednesday. The defense chiefs also agreed to continue discussions on the roles and missions of the Japan-US alliance for the effective operation of counterstrike capabilities that Japan has decided to acquire.