S Korea, Japan defense ministers pledge to work with U.S. to deter N Korea threats

South Korean and Japanese defense ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation with Washington against North Korea’s nuclear threat and Pyongyang’s growing military ties with Russia. During the first official visit by a Japanese defense minister to Seoul since 2015, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and pledged to expand cooperation in advanced military technologies, including AI, unmanned defense systems, and aerospace. Minister Gen Nakatani is also scheduled to visit the National Cemetery and the Navy’s 2nd Fleet. Meanwhile, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. will launch annual defensive drills on September 15 to enhance operational readiness against North Korea, following recent large-scale joint exercises. The talks followed Kim Jong Un’s attendance at a Chinese military parade in Beijing. President Lee Jae Myung has sought better ties with Pyongyang since June, but his efforts have been rejected. Last month, Lee met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has since resigned, raising uncertainty in Tokyo’s policies.

https://japantoday.com/category/politics/south-korea-japan-defence-ministers-pledge-to-work-with-us-to-deter-north-korea-threats