Japan, U.S. mull holding security talks online amid omicron surge
11:03 JST, December 25, 2021
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — The Japanese and U.S. governments are considering holding a planned meeting of their foreign and defense ministers online, considering the rapid spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in the United States, informed sources said Friday.
The so-called two-plus-two security talks were initially planned to be held in person in the United States on Jan. 7. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi are now expected to forgo their U.S. visits.
Through the in-person meeting, the two countries aimed to display their strong ties.
Hayashi was also planning to attend a Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty review conference in New York ahead of the two-plus-two talks. But he is now looking at the possibility of online participation.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
China Conducts Naval Blockade Exercise in Miyako Strait; CCG Ships Near Senkaku Islands Given Stronger Weapons
-
New Developments Seen in China’s Maritime Expansion; Japanese Govt Official Urges Calm, Stout Response
-
U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel File 2 Lawsuits after Biden Blocks $14.9 Billion Deal
-
Japan to Again Propose Frigate Development With Indonesia; Seeks to Enhance Security Cooperation With East Asia Nations
-
Stipulations in New Guidelines Key Step to Strengthen Japan’s Nuclear Deterrence
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Prehistoric Stone Tool Cut Out of Coral Reef and Taken Away in Kyushu island; Artifact was Believed to Have Been Dropped in Sea During Prehistoric Jomon Period
- Indonesia Launches Free School Meal Program with Support from Japan; Ishiba Currying Favor with New President
- New Year’s Ceremony Held at Imperial Palace (UPDATE 1)
- Tire of Landing Gear of JAL Plane Goes Flat at Haneda; No Injuries Reported, but Runway Closed 25 Minutes
- Princess Kako Visits Imperial Palace on Her 30th Birthday