U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin traveled to Japan Oct. 14 to underscore the unwavering and ironclad U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan.
During his visit, Allvin met with Gen Nakatani, Japanese Minister of Defense, General Uchikura Hiroaki, Chief of Staff, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Saito Tetsuo Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Allvin also held a trilateral meeting with Gen Uchikura and Lt Gen Stephen Parreño, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force.
Throughout the meetings, Allvin reaffirmed the critical importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Allvin emphasized the significance of the bilateral defense relationship with Japan, and highlighted Japan's pivotal role as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Allvin expressed appreciation for ongoing close cooperation with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and its value in maintaining readiness to reinforce deterrence. Allvin also commended its capabilities as an indispensable component of the U.S.-Japan enduring alliance.
Allvin reiterated the importance of strengthening trilateral defense cooperation between Japan and Philippines following the recent signing of a Reciprocal Access Agreement.
The leaders further shared perspectives on Indo-Pacific security issues and discussed additional cooperative endeavors, exercises and force posture initiatives that would safeguard mutual interests in the region.
