木原防衛相、来月初旬に初訪米　日米の一体性強化確認へ

　木原稔防衛相が１０月初旬に就任後初めて訪米し、オースティン国防長官と会談することが２６日、分かった。日米同盟の抑止力・対処力強化を確認。自衛隊と米軍の一体的な運用の強化に向けた協議を加速させる。
　木原氏の外遊は就任後初めて。日本を取り巻く厳しい安全保障環境を踏まえ、日米の結束を内外に示すのが狙い。台湾海峡有事をにらみ、南西地域の弾薬庫など基地・施設の共同使用や共同訓練の推進を確認する。（2023/09/26-15:34）

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara will visit the United States in early October for talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, informed sources said Tuesday.
   It will be Kihara's first visit to the United States or overseas since taking office in mid-September.
   The visit is aimed at demonstrating Japan-U.S. unity at home and abroad in light of the current severe security environment surrounding Japan.
   The Japanese and U.S. defense chiefs are expected to confirm that the two countries will enhance their alliance's deterrence and response capabilities and accelerate talks on strengthening integrated operations between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.
   To prepare for contingencies in the Taiwan Strait, Kihara and Austin are expected to agree on the joint use of bases, ammunition depots and other facilities in the southwestern Japan region and the promotion of joint exercises.