Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi

Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa on the margins of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Hayashi recognized the broad convergence of shared strategic interests as described in Japan’s recent release of its National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. They affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and discussed next steps for providing assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector.

Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. He underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Secretary Blinken greatly welcomed Japan’s G7 presidency and leadership at the UN Security Council in 2023. He further lauded coordination on common priorities and shared global challenges through the U.S.-Japan Economic Policy Consultative Committee (“Economic 2+2” or “EPCC”), welcoming the EPCC vice-ministerial in Washington on January 13.