Statement from the U.S.-Japan Caucus on Japan’s New National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), the co-chairs of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, released the following statement to express bipartisan support for Japan's new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program:

"As the Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, we welcome Japan's new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program. For decades, the strong Alliance between the United States and Japan has contributed to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. This new strategy ensures that our Alliance will continue to be responsive to modern needs while allowing Japan to take a more active role in regional security cooperation.

"We especially applaud Japan's renewed commitment to building close bonds of trust among partners in the Indo-Pacific. Multilateral cooperation is particularly essential to success in tackling new challenges, including pandemics and climate change. Japan's new strategy recognizes that cooperation between the nations of the Indo-Pacific will protect the rules-based international order.

"The U.S.-Japan Caucus is proud to support the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan. We congratulate Japan and the Kishida administration on this important step forward in their nation's defense strategy."