WASHIGNTON -- Acting Press Secretary Todd Breasseale provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with his Japanese counterpart, newly appointed Minister of Defense Hamada Yasukazu. Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Hamada on his new position, spoke to the deep bonds of friendship between the people of the United States and Japan, and reaffirmed a mutualcommitment to strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of regional security and Alliance issues. They confirmed cooperation on an array of concrete and innovative defense initiatives aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.