President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru held their inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C. today, committing to usher in a golden era for U.S.-Japan relations. The meeting underscored the leaders' intent to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, fostering peace and prosperity in a world facing disorder.
The leaders highlighted their mutual goal of reinforcing bilateral security and defense collaboration, as stipulated by the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Emphasizing its role as the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, both countries vowed to enhance their alliance. Japan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, a move welcomed by the United States.
The United States promised a steadfast defense of Japan, leveraging its full array of capabilities, including nuclear capabilities. They reiterated that Article V of the treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, opposing any attempts to undermine Japan's administration of these territories.
Both leaders agreed on the necessity to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities, pledging to enhance defense cooperation, upgrade command frameworks, and increase readiness through training. They emphasized promoting defense equipment and technology cooperation to strengthen supply chains and defense industrial capacity, including maritime sectors.
In expanding bilateral security cooperation, the U.S. and Japan plan to leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence and resilient cloud services to deepen information-sharing. The U.S. supports Japan's defense budget increase efforts, aiming to bolster capabilities by FY 2027, with Japan looking to further reinforce these capabilities beyond that year.
Acknowledging the importance of realigning U.S. forces in Japan, the leaders confirmed the urgency of implementing the Okinawa Consolidation Plan, including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility.
The leaders directed their foreign and defense ministers to convene a Security Consultative Committee meeting at the earliest possible date to expedite the aforementioned cooperation measures.
President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged the critical role of economic cooperation in the alliance. The U.S. and Japan are major investors in each other's economies, creating quality jobs and supporting vital industries.
To enhance their economic relationship, the leaders aim to increase business opportunities, promote investment, and lead in developing key technologies like AI and quantum computing. Their goals include countering economic coercion, promoting growth in the Indo-Pacific with a free economic order, and aligning policies to protect sensitive technologies.
Energy security remains a priority, with plans to increase U.S. liquefied natural gas exports to Japan. Both leaders welcomed efforts to diversify minerals supply chains and collaborate on advanced nuclear reactor technology.
The leaders urged their ministers to strengthen economic cooperation to attain these shared ambitions.
Given the complex security landscape, President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized continued cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. They intend to advance cooperation through frameworks like the Quad, involving Japan, Australia, India, and the U.S., alongside other regional partnerships.
They opposed any actions by the People's Republic of China to alter the status quo by force, particularly in the East China Sea, and reaffirmed opposition to unlawful maritime claims and activities in the South China Sea.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, advocating for peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and supporting Taiwan's international participation.
They expressed serious concerns about the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs, committing to its denuclearization, and addressing its cyber activities and military cooperation with Russia. The leaders emphasized the importance of the Japan-U.S.-ROK partnership in maintaining regional peace.
Prime Minister Ishiba extended an invitation to President Trump for an official visit to Japan, which the President accepted enthusiastically.
