Austin meets with Japan's new defense chief Hamada

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III welcomed his Japanese counterpart to the Pentagon Wednesday and congratulated Hamada Yasukazu as the newly appointed Minister of Defense of Japan.

Austin highlighted the deep bonds of friendship between the people of the United States and Japan and reaffirmed a mutual commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The two defense ministers will discuss regional security issues and close cooperation on safeguarding regional peace and stability.