• Register Email Updates

• Advanced Search
• Help

Japan-U.S. Security

Significance

The Japan-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, not just for Japan and the United States, but for the world at large as well. President Clinton reaffirmed this during his February meeting with Prime Minister Hashimoto, saying to the effect that no bilateral relationship was more important than the Japan-U.S. relationship. The good relations between Japan and the United States, the two countries which share the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, are not only indispensable to Japan's peace and prosperity, but are important for international peace and prosperity as well.

The Japan-U.S. security arrangements form the foundation for the broad Japan-U.S. relationship. Dr. Joseph S. Nye Jr., then Assistant Secretary of Defense, stated before the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan on September 4, 1995:

"Our alliance with Japan provides more than security. It is the foundation of the broader U.S.-Japan relationship--a unique and vital partnership ...."

Japan will firmly maintain the Japan-U.S. security arrangements. The security arrangements, based on which the US Forces are stationed in Japan, remain essential for the peace and stability in this post-Cold War Era. The Japan-U.S. Security arrangements also form the foundation for the two countries' wide-ranging cooperative relations in the international community. Incidentally, the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty stipulates that both countries shall cooperate in political and economic matters (Article 2). The Japan-U.S. security arrangements are an indispensable pillar for ensuring peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region as well, because the arrangements support the presence of the United States, which serves as a stabilizing factor in this region. Secretary of Defense William Perry stated:

"Our alliance remains the foundation, the linchpin of regional stability and of the U.S. security strategy for the Asia-Pacific region." (The Japan National Press Club, November 1, 1995.)