Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on Tuesday showed some understanding of the suspension of a military drill between the United States and South Korea, by telling media that the decision "may have been made based on the viewpoint of how the U.S. and South Korean defense authorities should back up diplomatic efforts."
At a press briefing after a Cabinet meeting, Onodera also expressed his intention to continue joint exercises between Japan and the United States as well as among Japan, the United States and South Korea.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday, "Japan's commitment to the Japan-U.S. alliance and the structure of U.S. forces in Japan won't change."
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said, "I understand that [U.S.-South Korea drills] will resume if North Korea does not negotiate in good faith."
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