Japan Emphasizes Trilateral Cooperation is Essential in Response to Trump's Order to Scale Back ROK-U.S. Drills

Amid growing regional security concerns in Japan following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to scale back combined military exercises between South Korea and the United States, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, Kyodo News reported today (August 18).

Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Australia, Defense Minister Koizumi stated, "trilateral cooperation is essential for regional peace and stability," taking into account the deepening ties and movements among China, Russia, and North Korea.

When asked by reporters for his stance on President Trump's remarks about ordering a reduction in the scale of combined South Korea-U.S. drills, he avoided making specific comments on the matter.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Koizumi held talks with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles in Australia earlier today, agreeing to cooperate on long-range missile test-firing between the two nations.

The agreement includes facilitating the use of Australian testing ranges for launches that are difficult to conduct within Japan, such as hypersonic missiles.

This is expected to accelerate Japan's recent efforts to strengthen the Self-Defense Forces' counterstrike capabilities.

Japan has been pushing for the development and deployment of standoff missiles capable of striking enemy bases from outside their range.

The plan aims to deter preemptive attacks, with China in mind, to enhance deterrence.

The two countries also agreed to continue defense cooperation through joint exercises.

The Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military previously conducted joint land, sea, and air exercises together with U.S. forces in 2025.

The two nations have particularly expanded their defense cooperation since Japan secured a joint development project for the Australian Navy's new frigates, based on the Maritime Self-Defense Force's state-of-the-art Mogami-class destroyers.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.