Ministerial Council on the Strengthening of the Maritime Security Capabilities

On December 23, 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi held a meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Strengthening of the Maritime Security Capabilities at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants engaged in discussions on the status of the initiatives for strengthening the maritime security capabilities.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said:

“The security environment in the maritime areas surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, and we must resolutely defend Japan’s territory and territorial waters.

In FY2026, we will continue to strengthen large patrol vessel capabilities, further enhance coordination with the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces, and vigorously advance a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” through multifaceted cooperation, including Japan–U.S., Japan–U.S.–ROK, Japan–U.S.–Philippines, and Japan-Australia-India-U.S. frameworks.

In addition, we will work to improve the working environment and treatment of Japan Coast Guard officers, so that those who are even at this very moment safeguarding Japan’s seas can maintain high morale and fully carry out their noble mission.

With regard to the maritime security field as well, I ask that appropriate efforts be undertaken under the leadership of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, while taking into account the discussions on revisions to the National Security Strategy and related documents.”