Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke to his Japanese counterpart, Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, today. The two leaders discussed Japan's efforts to increase its defense spending and strengthen its capabilities, China's military activities, and the importance of realistic training and exercises across Japan, including in the Southwest Islands. Secretary Hegseth and Defense Minister Koizumi reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and underscored their commitment to deterring aggression in the Asia-Pacific.