Japan–ROK Vice-Ministerial Defense Talks
Overview
On October 9, 2026, Defense Counselor Ando held Japan–ROK vice-ministerial defense talks with Vice Minister Lee Doo-hee of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense. Ando welcomed the first visit to Japan by a vice minister of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense in 16 years. They exchanged views on regional affairs and Japan–ROK and Japan–U.S.–ROK defense cooperation. Both sides agreed to advance Japan–ROK defense cooperation at various levels and to continue close coordination between Japan and the ROK and among Japan, the United States, and the ROK.
Key points
- Defense Counselor Ando and Vice Minister Lee Doo-hee of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense held Japan–ROK vice-ministerial defense talks.
- The visit to Japan by a vice minister of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense was the first in 16 years.
- Both sides agreed to advance Japan–ROK defense cooperation and continue close coordination between Japan and the ROK and among Japan, the United States, and the ROK.
Overview
On Friday, October 9, Defense Counselor Ando held Japan–ROK vice-ministerial defense talks with Vice Minister Lee Doo-hee of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense. Ando welcomed the first visit to Japan by a vice minister of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense in 16 years.
Impact
Both sides agreed to advance Japan–ROK defense cooperation at various levels and to continue close coordination between Japan and the ROK and among Japan, the United States, and the ROK.
Details
They exchanged views on regional affairs and Japan–ROK and Japan–U.S.–ROK defense cooperation.