Defense Secretary Ash Carter today called Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to discuss the recent North Korean nuclear test, according to a statement provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook.
Carter and Nakatani agreed that the nuclear test by North Korea is an unacceptable and irresponsible act that undermines regional security and stability, he said.
Nakatani stated that the test was a clear violation of the United Nation's Security Council resolutions and condemned the act, Cook’s statement said.
Carter agreed with this view, Cook said, noting the secretary commended the high level of coordination between the United States and Japan after the test. Carter also noted that utilizing the Alliance Coordination Mechanism under the 2015 Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation exemplifies this close cooperation, according to Cook’s statement.
Carter reaffirmed steadfast U.S. defense commitments to Japan and allies in the region, Cook’s statement said. Carter and Nakatani agreed that trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea is critical to deterrence and maintaining peace and security in Northeast Asia and beyond, Cook said.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to continue close trilateral cooperation and information sharing, according to Cook’s statement.