Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reaffirmed the importance of close security cooperation with South Korea amid concerns over recent tensions between the two countries. His remarks followed reports that a planned joint maritime search-and-rescue drill scheduled for later this month may be canceled.
Koizumi emphasized that collaboration between Japan and South Korea — as well as their trilateral cooperation with the United States — remains crucial for regional stability. The minister’s comments come after Japan canceled its plan to refuel South Korean military aircraft at a Self-Defense Forces base, following flights near disputed islands in the Sea of Japan.
The islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, continue to be a longstanding point of contention. In response to Japan’s move, South Korea withdrew its military band from a recent SDF music festival in Tokyo.
Despite these developments, Koizumi stressed that communication between the two nations continues at multiple levels. He noted that both sides are committed to maintaining defense exchanges and strengthening coordination to support regional security.