Tokyo

Gen. Mark Milley, the highest-ranking US military officer, expressed gratitude on Tuesday for the Japanese government's plan to dispatch Maritime Self-Defense Force troops to the Middle East to collect information and ensure the safe navigation of vessels there.

Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, conveyed his nation’s appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in their meeting at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo.

In the meeting, Abe and Milley agreed to strengthen cooperation between their countries to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Milley noted that he and Abe discussed the Japan-South Korea General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA, which is due to expire on Nov. 22 following Seoul's decision to scrap the military intelligence-sharing pact.

After his meeting with Abe, Milley told reporters that on his visit to South Korea from Wednesday GSOMIA “will be a point of discussion.” He also showed eagerness to resolve related issues “before it (GSOMIA) expires.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Abe and Milley also confirmed that Japan and the United States oppose China's attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China seas, against the backdrop of the country's rise in the region.

They also shared the view that trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea is important following a series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea.

Milley held separate talks with Defense Minister Taro Kono and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi after his meeting with Abe.

Motegi told Milley that discord among Japan, the United States and South Korea can benefit not only North Korea but also China and Russia.

In response, Milley said he is keen to tell the South Korean side that showing the strength of trilateral ties among Japan, the United States and South Korea is the best way to tackle related issues.

Jiji Press