Full text of leaked MOD internal document
This reports the abstracts of meeting results of the Chief of Staff’s visiting the US.
1.The schedule
(1)The visitees
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army (December 17, 1630 – 1700)
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (December 18, 1000 – 1030)
Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense (December 18, 1030 – 1100)
Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations (December 18, 1100 – 1130)
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations (1130 – 1200)
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1300 – 1345)
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (December 18, 1400 – 1430)
(2)Held at
The Department of Defense
2.The result abstracts
Refer to the separate sheets of paper 1 to 7.
The abstract of the meeting with Gen. Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 1
1. The date and the place
December 17, 2014 (Wednesday) 1630 – 1700 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for taking your time today. I had a lot of meetings with Navy officers while I was Chief of Staff, Maritime Self Defense Force. Today I have the privilege to meet the Army officer.
Chief of Staff Iwata, Ground Self-Defense Force, has told us about the annual meeting of the AUSA (Association of the United States Army). He said he had a good discussion. Today, I’d like to discuss the situation awareness.
We had the House of Representatives election on the 14th, and the ruling party won overwhelmingly. We have the good prospects for the discussion progresses with regard to the right to collective self-defense and the security bills. The guidelines which are planned to be revised within this year, is going to be announced with the adjustment of the security bills in due time. When the bills enable the right to collective self-defense, the cooperative ties between the US military and the Self-Defense Forces are going to be deepened.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
I assume you are currently working on the guidelines and the security bills. How are the progresses? Is there any problems?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I think they will be done by the next summer, due to winning the election.
I’ve come here to discuss deepening of the US-Japan alliance with the Chairman Dempsy.
I had the opportunity to see Yama Sakura. It was good, exercising a lot of logistics. We have bilateral exercises with the navy kinds, now the army kinds are strengthening the coordination. We also had an informative seminar by Mr. Brooks, the Commanding General of the Army Pacific.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
Thank you for taking your time. I have a good relationship with the Chief of Staff Iwata. He explained to me the goals of the Self-Defense Army Force. We’ve discussed the areas that the Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Army can strengthen together, and the areas that the Self-Defense Army Force needs to strengthen. We’ve also discussed air assaults for recapturing remote islands. These areas are what the Ground Self-Defense Force and the US army can improve the functionalities together.
The point of the exercise was how to deploy the Stryker Team. It is important regarding how to deploy the forces. The strong tie between the US and Japan sends a good message to the relevant countries.
A few months later, the Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Army had an exercise at the national training center in California. Even though it was a small one. I recognize that the exercise was important for strengthening interoperability, information sharing, and command and control.
The several years joint efforts of the navy kinds have yielded some improvement with regard to interoperability. But the army kinds’ issues are complicated. They are working on them as of now. I consider that both of us need to work on these areas.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Along with the US and Japan, we are also working on strengthening the US, Australia, and Japan cooperation. We will deploy the Self-Defense Force to the US and Australia joint exercise (Talisman Saber). We are trying to increase the unit to Southern Jackaroo.
The Ground Self-Defense Force is at reorganizing phase, due to creating the Ground Central Command, and Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and so on. The relations between the US Navy and the Maritime Self-Defense Force at Yokosuka, and the US Air Force and the Air Self-Defense Force at Yokota are good examples. I consider Zama suitable for the amphibious kinds.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
We also consider cooperating at Zama is suitable. Thank you for the support.
Speaking of three-country joint exercises, we consider that Japan, the US, and South Korea joint exercise is also important, thank you for supporting it also. We are considering to hold a meeting with regard to the three-country exercise the next spring.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
The threat of North Korea still exists today. With that regard, we too consider Japan, the US, and South Korea joint exercise is important. However, the defense exchange between Japan and South Korea has been delayed. So we would like to promote coordination for Japan-US-South Korea joint exercising.
Considering the threat of North Korea, my understanding is that the deployed TPY-2 radar at Cape Kyogamisaki is going to be operative at the end of this year. We are very willing to cooperate fully for the operation.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
Going back to Japan-US relation. So far, the army kinds have been working to strengthen the coordination. We should strengthen the efforts further. It will send a good message to the countries such as North Korea.
By doing everything to strengthen the coordination, including defense exchange, and exercises, we should continue to send good messages to North Korea and China.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I’d like to also discuss China. My understanding is China-Japan summit held at APEC in the last November has been the first step toward improving the relation. The both sides have reached a shared view in principle to resume consultations for maritime communication mechanism. But China has not responded to Japan’s attempt to resume the consultations.
There are two to three vessels at all times in the East China Sea around the Senkaku Islands, currently actively operating even within 40 nautical miles. We are dealing calmly to the China’s operations, but we wonder whether China’s governmental control is effective.
To avoid contingencies due to those operations, we utilize CUES multilaterally, promoting on-site communication. I recognize that the US-Japan coordination has been effective deterrence against China.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
Thank you for watching Chinese operations. It is important to use all kinds of measures against China including diplomacy and military actions. The guidelines and the security bills are recognized as effective. We are willing to keep our eyes on them.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
The administrations before Abe had tended to decrease the defense budget. But now it’s increasing. The Ground Self-Defense Force is going to introduce V-22 Ospreys, and AAV7s.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
Introducing Ospreys is important for improving transportation capabilities. The Army will offer support regarding remote islands defense procedures using Ospreys and so on.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for your cooperation.
To deal with Ebola virus we have dispatched liaison officers to AFRICOM, and airlifted protective suits. We will continue gathering information by the liaison officers and consider what we can do.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
We have deployed more than 2500 troops. The lessons we can share are that logistics and training are necessary. They need to be done fully.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I’m willing to keep the dispatched liaison officers there.
AFRICOM carries out various operations, not only humanitarian assistance, but anti-terrorism operations, also. For the past several years AFRICOM has carried out 94 operations throughout Africa, mainly training, advising, functionality building assistance. And the liaison officers’ assistance is beneficial to the US also. We appreciate various sorts of Japan’s commitment.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for your time.
Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army
Thank you for the valuable information exchange.
(End)
The abstract of the meeting with Gen. Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 2
1. The date and the place
December 18, 2014 (Thursday) 1000 – 1030 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for taking your time today. We have come here to pay courtesy call on the Chairman Dempsy.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
It is an honor to see you. It appears that the Chairman Dempsy is also looking forward to see you.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I heard the decision have been made, that F-35 regional depot is going to be Japan. It is gratifying with regard to the security environment. And Japan has decided to introduce F-35s, E-2Ds, and Global Hawks.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
Glad to hear that from the strongest partner.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Does the Air Force operate Global Hawks?
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
Yes. The Air Force operates Block 40 and 30. I think that introducing Global Hawks is a very good decision. Block 40 has superb capabilities.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
The information provided from Global Hawks was great when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. It is the first time for the Self-Defense Forces to operate unmanned aircraft. We’d like to ask for the US support.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
We will support with our abilities.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
The security environment for Japan is still severe. Japan only has right of individual self-defense, adding right of collective self-defense can deepen Japan-US alliance by reviewing the guidelines.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
Currently, the US military is forced to go through budget cuts, but the projects under considerations have some how been managed to proceed. The Air Force’s important projects, such as introducing F-35s, new tanker aircrafts, and new long-range bomber aircrafts are likely to proceed as planned.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Currently, Russian Air Force’s TU-95 bombers are operating the Japan’s peripheral airspaces, Baltic Fleet and Black Sea Fleet are actively operating in the Pacific. The Self-Defense Forces have been on alert.
We have the Kuril Islands dispute, so we would like to maintain minimum relation with Russia, while cooperating with the West.
May I ask your opinion on Russia?
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
I completely agree with you. We are also worried about Russia’s operations. The procedures for ambushing need to be firmly established to avoid contingencies by misunderstandings. The same with China’s periphery, East and South China Seas.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
There are two to three vessels at all times in the East China Sea, in the vicinity of the Senkaku Islands, currently actively operating even within 40 nautical miles. We are dealing calmly to the China’s operations. And we have been trying our best to communicate with China.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
What are the China’s motives?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I cannot make positive assertion. But near misses, locked weapon’s targeting radar have been occurring. They may not be under Chinese government’s control.
I’d like to promote close communications on-site. And I’m convinced that greater Japan-US coordination will be deterrence against China.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
I agree with you. Various levels of communication with China is important, each military branch leader from the Department of Defense has been visiting China, proactively trying to communicate with China. It is important to strengthen Japan-US coordination against China.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
According to this morning’s news on CNN, cyber-attack from North Korea has occurred. Was there an attack?
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
A movie about North Korea has been made, and is coming soon. It is just a comedy, nothing to over react about, but the North Korean leader gets assassinated in the story. So they became nervous.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
With regard to North Korea, Japan has been cooperating on BMD. I understand that TPY-2 radar system is going to be operable by the end of the month, which is very important for coordinating with BMD.
Thank you for taking your time today.
Spencer, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
I’m the one who is grateful.
(End)
The abstract of the meeting with Mr. Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 3
1. The date and the place
December 18, 2014 (Thursday) 1030 – 1100 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for taking your time today. We have come here to pay courtesy call on the Chairman Dempsy.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
It is an honor to see you.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Currently we are reviewing the guidelines. For this, we are grateful for Senior Country Director for Japan, Mr. Winternitz’s contributions.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
The reviewing of the guidelines is making progress. Not just me, Mr. Hagel, Secretary of Defense, and our political team are also gratified with the October’s interim report. I’m looking forward to the completion in April.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
We also have been hoping since the cabinet’s decision with regard to right of collective self-defense that the guidelines will meet our expectation.
My understanding is that the bills under consideration need to be in step with the reviewing of the guidelines so they are adjourned. Because the ruling party have won the House of Representatives election, political stability is likely to improve causing them to make more progress.
After reviewing the guidelines, the cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the US military is deemed to be deepened. I would like to discuss these with the Chairman Dempsy.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
I would like to congratulate PM Abe on the election victory. Not only it will help us, but also beneficial to Japan, considering the security bills are under consideration.
We are grateful for PM Abe’s contribution, the effort to deal with Ebola virus, such as dispatching liaison officers as Japan being the biggest donor. I think it is better if the liaison officers continue to stay.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Though Ebola fever has not yet been settled, I would like the liaison officers to stay even after Ebola fever is settled. We need them to gather information for considering what we can do further. The Self-Defense Forces have been using the base in Djibouti for anti-piracy operations, but we would also like to use the base for other operations. We also have been considering increasing Defense Attache for strengthening the coordination with AFRICOM.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
The Self-Defense Forces have been working to improve defense capabilities. Do you have any budget restraints for continuing the efforts?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
For the past 10 years the defense budget had tended to decrease, but since the Abe administration the budget tends to increase. Considering China’s operations becoming more active, I think the defense budget will continue to increase. Because of the tendency, the decisions to introduce F-35s, E-2Ds, Global Hawks, and Ospreys were made.
These efforts will lead to interoperability improvement, and will contribute to strengthening Japan-US alliance.
Having heard that F-35 regional depot is going to be Japan. I would like to thank you and the persons concerned for the contribution. I recognize that the decision was very important for improving interoperability. It will improve operability further, if Osprey regional depot become also in Japan.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
I haven’t received any report with that regard yet. Has Japanese people’s fears regarding Ospreys decreased?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Yes, compared to the past.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
Ospreys are the safest among the Marine’s equipment. But unfortunately, accidents occurred at the beginning caused unfair evaluations.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Only some activists are those who speak loud about the unsafety, regarding Ospreys.
Mr. Hagel, Secretary of Defense is going to be replaced, does the US’s rebalancing policy continue even on the tight budget
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
This absolutely will not be changed. President Obama also considers forced budget cuts are inappropriate, regardless of defense or non-defense. Under the circumstances, the President has increased some budgets.
The budget is going to be decided in coming February. It includes all the budgets for strengthening the functionalities in the Pacific.
The four important budget areas after the Cold War, the US military bases in South Korea, the US base in Iwakuni, FRF, moving to Guam are entirely secured, hence they are deemed to proceed as planned. One of the big changes is that the budget restraints for moving to Guam have been taken away.
Therefore, the congress is supporting the rebalancing policy, so the Department of Defense will continue to stance for supporting the policy.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
The opposition candidate has won the Okinawa gubernatorial election. But Futenma relocation is not a regional issue but a national issue. So my understanding is that Abe administration will not change the stance.
Thank you for taking your time today.
Work, United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
May I add one last thing? As emphasized time and time again the Senkaku dispute is withing the scope of Article 5 of the 1960 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, as has been expressed by the President, and Secretary of Defense Hegal. As long as this administration continues the commitment will not change, but only leads to strengthening Japan-US alliance.
We’ve had a meaningful discussion today. Thank you so much.
(End)
The abstract of the meeting with Adm. Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 4
1. The date and the place
December 18, 2014 (Thursday) 1100 – 1130 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Kawano, Chief of Staff
We already had at the dinner party last night, but my understanding is that 2 Aegises are going to enter into the Port of Yokosuka, and Ronald Reagan is going to succeed George Washington.
Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
These transitions are going to be smooth. They are Vice Adm. Swift’s important duties. I understand that these are important for Maritime Staff Office, the Pacific Fleet, and the Seventh Fleet.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
My understanding is that those activities will not cause any problem domestically in Japan.
As talked at ISS in September, no big change in the vicinity of the Senkaku Islands. We utilize CUES to avoid contingencies, but the China’s reactions are not alike. How is CUES working between the US Navy and Chinese Navy?
Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
According to Adm. Harris, Chinese respond 6 out of 10 times.
I have ordered newly assigned Zungov Coast Guard commander to extend CUES even with Chinese Goast Guards.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
During APEC, China-Japan summit was held. The both sides have reached a shared view in principle to resume consultations for maritime communication mechanism toward conclusion. But China has not responded. We are not sure where the China’s intentions are.
Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
I can understand the situation. This is my personal view, but I think China is concerned more about domestic issues than external issues.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Can we talk about Russia. Russian Air Force’s TU-95 bombers are operating the Japan’s peripheral airspaces, Baltic Fleet and Black Sea Fleet are actively operating in the Pacific. May I ask your opinion on Russia?
Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
I agree with you. Russia has been extending operations. TU-95 flights have been confirmed in Guam, and Philippine vicinities. Unexpectedly, Vietnam has been proving oil feed support for Russia.
So Russia had been extending operations, but their equipment is old. We don’t think Russia can continuously operate as the Self-Defense Forces have been doing in Gulf of Aden.
Yesterday, Sir Zambellas of Britain has called me. He sent you his regard. He is going to China in the next January to see aircraft carriers and others.
He is going with pilots to asses the capabilities. I’d like to share the information to the Chief of Staff and the Chief of Staff, Maritime Self Defense Force.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
We would like to continue our good relation.
Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
Thank you. So do we.
(End)
The abstract of the meeting with Vice Adm. Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 5
1. The date and the place
December 18, 2014 (Thursday) 1130 – 1200 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Congratulation on promotion to the Commander, Pacific Command. You are going to be promoted to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Adm. Harris to Commander, United States Pacific Command. It is the strongest line-up.
I understand that 2 Aegises are going to enter into the Port of Yokosuka, and Ronald Reagan is going to succeed George Washington. That will be deterrence against China. My understanding is that those activities will not cause any problem domestically in Japan.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
I appreciate Japan’s cooperation with regard to replacing the aircraft carriers.
I will make the transitions smooth as possible. We would like to hold a Japan-US joint departure event at San Diego. In order to operate the aircraft carriers without any hinderance, Japan and the US should appeal to the world.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
The situation of the vicinity of Senkaku islands has become more severe than when you were the commander of the 7th fleet. Currently, two to three Chinese ships has been operating and getting closer to the contiguous zone. The Japan Coast Guard has been primarily dealing with the situation. But if they enter territorial waters, the Maritime Self-Defense Force will deal with the situation. We will continue to deal the situation calmly, and have been instructing to utilize CUES to avoid contingencies.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
As the captain, I consider to use any available measures to communicate, in accordance with superior’s instructions that may not be CUES, if the situation becomes strained.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Some times they don’t even answer to CUES. The tendency is that a Sovremenny class large battleships, with likely to be senior captains, do not answer.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
We think that Chinese Navy captains that operate Senkaku vicinity are carefully selected.
We think Japan and the US should share the experience and the findings regarding communication with CUES. And the whole region needs to totally grasp communication related problems.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Could you tell us your opinion on Russian operations? Russian TU-95s are going around Japan, Baltic Fleet and Black Sea Fleet are actively operating in the Pacific. It seems Vietnam is letting Russia use Cam Ranh Bay for oil feeding.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Will the Maritime Self-Defense Force participate in the joint exercise with Romania and Ukraine in the Black Sea?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
We don’t have such plan.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
The reason that I brought that up is because we need to consider Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caspian Sea, regarding Russia. That is how vastly they operate.
The same with the Senkaku dispute. It is not only Senkaku, but needs to be grasped as a problem of China. Not as a separate problem but grasping as a whole, considering other countries situations requires cooperating accordingly. Considering individually may leads to isolation. The fact that China is operating two to three submarines in Indian Ocean needs to be considered as a part of the whole situation.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Abe administration has been working to cooperate with ASEAN countries, such as the Philippines, and Vietnam to not to allow China to change existing conditions.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
India has been calling at various ports starting with Vietnam while exercising in South China Sea. Shouldn’t Japan call at ports strategically like this?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Japan has been dispatching naval force to Djibouti. When dispatched, they strategically call at ports.
Swift, the director of Navy Staff in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Shouldn’t Japan send messages by calling at Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, ports that are not on the path.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
We do strategically call at ports as such to send messages externally.
Unfortunately, the time is up. Looking forward to see you at the Commander, Pacific Command change of command ceremony in Hawaii.
(End)
The abstract of the meeting with Gen. Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 6
1. The date and the place
December 18, 2014 (Thursday) 1300 – 1345 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for taking your time today. I heard you are going to visit Japan in coming March.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
That’s right. I’m also going to South Korea.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
In last July, Japan-US-South Korea CHOD was held in Hawaii. The defense exchange between Japan and South Korea has been delayed. Adm. Choi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been my partner since I was Chief of Staff, Maritime Self Defense Force. But I haven’t seen him till today. I really would like to have CHOD be realized.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Yes we should realize CHOD, so I talked to Commander Locklear through VTC. The last time was in Hawaii, is Hawaii suitable? Do you have any suggestion about the location?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Hawaii is suitable.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
We would like to carry out PACOM COC in February, next year. But for various reasons the date is not definite yet. I hope we can carry it out on February 20.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I’d like to keep in touch with Commander Locklear. I hear that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Choi is not coming to PACOM COC.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
That’s right. It is not that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Choi cannot leave South Korea, considering the Current Korean Peninsula situation. The threat of North Korea is alway there. The threat of cyber attacks has become visible. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Choi may have a situation. In next year January, I have teleconference opportunity. I will ask him to attend PACOM COC.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I saw CNN news reporting that there was a cyber attack against Sony Pictures. Japan-US-South Korea coordination is important as deterrence. Even though North Korea has missiles, our BMD system is set ready. But there is no GSOMIA between Japan and South Korea, so information sharing has not been done. My understanding is the public opinion has been preventing the information sharing.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
I have been telling South Korea to get along with Japan for several years.
With regard to cyber attack from North Korea, we haven’t found the evidence, so we haven’t announced about it yet. But I think they will announce something as the US government’ point of view. I believe our efforts will make some progress, including the information sharing between Japan and South Korea.
I recognize that due to ASEAN meeting China’s rhetoric has been dull. Do you have an opinion on this?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
During APEC, China-Japan summit was held. The both sides have reached a shared view in principle to resume consultations for maritime communication mechanism. But China has not responded. China’s operations are becoming more active. China has been building artificial landmasses atop sunken reefs in the Spratly Islands archipelago. Japan’s position is that we cannot allow China to change existing conditions by force. And has been coordinating with ASEAN countries and Australia for that matter. We are trying not to raise escalation ladder against China.
Currently, we are reviewing the guidelines, and it has been adjourned till the first half of the next year. Having right of collective self-defense, and when the security bills are enforced, Japan-US relation is going to be deepened. Also, I have discussed readjusting the Japan’s and the US’s role with Lt. Gen. Goldfein.
Can we talk about Ebola fever? For dealing with Ebola fever, we have dispatched liaison officers, and transported protective suits by KC-767. We will continue gathering information through the liaison officers and consider what we can do.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Thank you for Japan’s contribution. Matters such as Ebola fever, when settled, people tend to lose their concerns. To keep the memory of the matter, we need to collect the experience and the lessons to maintain the functionalities. My understanding is that currently, we have basic functionalities: six pieces of transportable decontamination equipment, one C-17 that can simultaneously isolate 3 people.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I want our liaison officers to reside at AFRICOM. We use the base in Djibouti for anti-piracy operations, but we would also like to extend the use the base for other operations. We would like to strengthen coordination with PACOM, CENTCOM, and AFRICOM.
We are going to dispatch a commander to CTF-151. We are going to form a coalition with a commander, I think this is innovative.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
What is your opinion on Russia?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Currently, Russian Air Force’s TU-95 bombers are operating the Japan’s peripheral airspaces, Baltic Fleet and Black Sea Fleet are actively operating in the Pacific. The Self-Defense Forces have been on alert.
We have the Kuril Islands dispute, so we would like to maintain minimum relation with Russia, while cooperating with the West.
The former Chief of Staff Iwata is going to the US to attend the Statesman Forum in June.
Dempsy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
It’s good to see him in June. But I’m visiting Japan in March. I hope to see him then too.
I have experienced a lot since I’m assigned to this job, but seeing each country’s counterpart and their spouses is a great blessing.
Thank you for coming today.
(End)
The abstract of the meeting with Gen. Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Must not be mishandled
Separate sheet 7
1. The date and the place
December 18, 2014 (Thursday) 1400 – 1430 at the Department of Defense
2. The abstract of the meeting
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Thank you for offering flowers at Arlington National Cemetery before this meeting. I consider you have issued a Japan’s powerful message. And am I grateful to have you as a friend.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
We have already talked at the dinner party last night. But I think we need to discuss a few things.
Currently, the Self-Defense Forces are working with amphibious functionalities, like recapturing remote islands training in the Exercise Keen Sword.
We are planning to build a battleship of the Maritime Self-Defense Force for amphibious warfare. Improving Ground attack functionality is set as Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s goal. And going to establish Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade for the Ground Self-Defense Force.
We are going to actively participate in Iron Fist and Dawn Blitz. We would like to ask for your continuous support.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
III MEF has been deployed to Okinawa. You can receive advice from the Commander Wissler regarding Osprey operations and amphibious warfare. In the past I’ve also learned amphibious warfare for a day, so I feel attached.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Thank you for carrying out the liberty policy during the Okinawa gubernatorial election, for dealing with the regional situation. Even though the candidate against the Futenma relocation won the election, the relocation of Futenma base to Henoko is the matter to be discussed at the political level, so my understanding is that there won’t be any policy changes. I think Abe administration is going to strongly promote the policy.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
I have worked in Okinawa three times, so I understand the regional situation well. Problems like this requires patience, you also need to wait till the tide starts turning. But my understanding is that PM Abe will implement the relocation in accordance with the current plan, and will try to lessen the Okinawa’s military base burdens.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Abe administration has won the House of Representatives election overwhelmingly. I think that by the leadership of PM Abe, the policy will be in progress.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Today, I’m going to carry out VTC with Lt. Gen.Wissler. I think he is planning to say that he is going to carry out strong reinforcements in the Pacific. Please coordinate with Lt. Gen. Wissler, and Lt. Gen. Toolan.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
If the relocation to Henoko, and joint use of Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab become realized, the cooperation between the US Marine Corp and the Self-Defense Forces will be deepened. May be that will improve the Okinawa residents’ sentiments.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
How is the political situation in North Korea?
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Currently North Korea is under Kim Jong-un. At a first glance, it looks like stable. But the administration has appointed Kim Jong-un’s younger sister to an important position, and not yet confirmed but has cyber attacked Sony Pictures. Looks like his character is limited. In reality, the administration may be in danger. The possibilities of contingencies cannot be denied.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Looks like North Korea is distancing itself from China.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
After the execution of Chang Song-taek who was acting as a mediator. It appears that there is some distance between China and North Korea. On the other hand, there are some tendencies to coordinate with Russia more strongly.
Currently, Russian Air Force’s TU-95 bombers are operating the Japan’s peripheral airspaces, Baltic Fleet and Black Sea Fleet are actively operating in the Pacific. The Self-Defense Forces have been on alert.
We have the Kuril Islands dispute, so we would like to maintain minimum relation with Russia, while cooperating with the West.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Russia is Back to the Future.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
I understand that you have served in Afghanistan long time. How is the ISIL situation?
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
There was a talk between the Chairman Dempsy and the Vice Chairman Winnefeld, the situation of Afghanistan is deeply related to Taliban in Pakistan. The situations of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq have individual problems but there is some commonality for dealing with them. That is to build each unit’s functionality which is our focus.
Regarding the political situations, Afghanistan and Iraq presidents have been replaced, which currently improve the situations. The change of the Afghanistan administration has decreased the effects of our efforts in the beginning. In Iraq, we can do much more easily, compared to Maliki administration. In all cases, to deal with each problem, we need the long-term balanced efforts in politics, economy, and military. As we learned in Iraq, political system maintenance is going to be important. As mentioned in the President’s statement, US’s support for Iraq and Pakistan should focus in building governance so that they can do well individually.
Regarding Afghanistan, it is important to give people hope, the meeting in Tokyo is doing this role.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Abe administration has won the House of Representatives election overwhelmingly. I am convinced that as right of collective self-defense gets discussed, if it becomes possible to exercise of the right of collective self-defense, we can extend the roles of the Self-Defense Forces, leading to deepen the cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the US military.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
The exercises of Dawn Blitz and Iron Fist improved amphibious functionalities and the interoperability. I think that adjusting the framework of the legal interpretation will truly extend the roles. With regard to MV-22 and AAV7, our cooperation will not be spared.
Kawano, Chief of Staff
Going back to Ospreys and AAV7s, you may not have the exact authorities, but Japan hopes that the regional depot of Osprey to be in Japan also.
Dunford, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Chief of Staff Iwata, Ground Self-Defense Force, has sent me a letter, and I have reported to the Secretary of Defense. My understanding is that Japan is a major candidate.
There is a Japan-US joint event in Iwo Jima in January. I’m planning to go there. If I can go to Tokyo, I hope to see you there. Thank you for coming today.
(End)
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