Japan, U.S. Confirm Cooperation to Deal with China

Tokyo, Sept. 14 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday confirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation to deal with China.

Kamikawa had a telephone conversation with Blinken for about 10 minutes, holding talks with him for the first time since she became foreign minister in Wednesday's cabinet reshuffle.

The two officials discussed regional issues including China, which is increasing its military activities, and North Korea, which has repeatedly launched ballistic missiles.

They agreed that Japan and the United States will work together to address these issues, as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

At the beginning of their conversation, Kamikawa said, "I'd like to build a good relationship with Secretary Blinken and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is stronger than ever." Blinken congratulated her on taking office as foreign minister.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]