S/ Koizumi Shinjiro, Japanese Defense Minister / We recognized that China’s actions do not contribute to regional peace and stability, expressed serious concern over any acts that heighten tensions in the region and agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation between Japan and the US.

Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro held talks on the phone with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and explained the recent radar lock-on incident by Chinese military jets against Japanese fighter aircraft.

The two exchanged views on the incident and other issues such as joint flights conducted by China and Russia.

Koizumi told Hegseth that Japan will continue to survey and monitor the sea and airspace around the country and will respond calmly and resolutely to any unforeseen situations.

They also agreed to coordinate plans for Koizumi to visit the United States early next year for an in-person meeting.

S/ Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary / And he believes that the United States should be in a position to have a good working relationship with China while maintaining our very strong alliance with Japan.

Asked about the relations between Japan and China, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that US President Donald Trump believes in building good ties with both countries.

On China, Leavitt said Trump has built a good cooperative relationship with President Xi Jinping and is confident that this is beneficial for the United States.

Following the radar lock-on incident, the US State Department issued a statement on December 9 criticizing China’s actions as not contributing to regional peace and stability, but Leavitt avoided direct criticism of China and showed a more cautious stance.

Trump is believed to be distancing himself from Japan-China tensions to avoid friction with Beijing and achieve results in trade negotiations.