Japan-United States of America Relations

(i) Security and Defense Cooperation

The two leaders voiced their appreciation over the success of the Japan-U.S. “2+2” meeting that was held on April 27, and confirmed that the alliance’s deterrence and response capability would be further strengthened under the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation issued after the meeting.
Also, Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan was working vigorously on developing security legislation. President Obama responded by stating his support for Japan’s initiatives.

(ii) Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Concerning the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Prime Minister Abe explained that he had recently held his first meeting with Governor of Okinawa Prefecture Takeshi Onaga and stated that despite Governor Onaga’s opposition to the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF) at Henoko, the unwavering position of the Government of Japan is that the relocation to Henoko is the only solution, and the Government continues to hold dialogue in order to obtain Okinawa’s understanding. Furthermore, to that end, Prime Minister Abe explained that it was a priority for the Government to reduce the impact on Okinawa, including through increasing training of MV-22 Osprey outside the prefecture and the land returns south of Kadena Air Base. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that with regard to the suspension of the operation of MCAS Futenma within 5 years, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida had explained to Secretary of State John Kerry at the Japan-U.S. “2+2” meeting. Prime Minister Abe expressed his will to sign the Agreement to Supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on Environmental Stewardship at an early date. Prime Minister Abe also asked for the cooperation of the United States in order to obtain the public support for the Japan-U.S. Alliance. In response, President Obama said the United States would continue to cooperate to reduce the impact on Okinawa.
Prime Minister Abe further explained that the relocation of the U.S. Marines in Okinawa to Guam would promote the development of Guam as a strategic hub and would also contribute to U.S. rebalance policy, and expressed his intention to steadily advance the relocation in coordination with the United States.

(i) Prime Minister Abe welcomed the progress in the deliberations on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) in the U.S. Congress, and expressed his appreciation for President Obama’s efforts. The two leaders reaffirmed the strategic significance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and its expected contribution not only to economic prosperity but also to security in the region.

(ii) Prime Minister Abe cited the recent negotiations between Minister in charge of TPP Akira Amari and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, and welcomed the progress that had been made on the remaining issues between Japan and the United States. The two leaders confirmed that progress in the bilateral consultation would provide substantial momentum toward the conclusion of the TPP, and shared the view that both countries would lead the negotiations and guide them to a prompt conclusion.

(i) Prime Minister Abe explained the outcomes of the most recent Japan-China Summit Meeting on the margins of the Bandung Conference.

(ii) Both leaders agreed that Japan and the United States would play key roles to maintain and develop a free and open Asia-Pacific region based on the rule of law, and that both countries would cooperate to incorporate China into such region. The two leaders also affirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo. President Obama reiterated that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security covers all the territories under the administration of Japan, including the Senkaku Islands.

(iii) Both leaders confirmed that Japan and the United States were pursuing various measures to resolve the issues in the South China Sea, including supporting a united ASEAN response.

(iv) Both leaders also confirmed the fundamental positions of Japan and the United States with regard to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Prime Minister Abe stated that while there was a huge demand for infrastructure in Asia, when creating a financial institution such as the AIIB it would be necessary to ensure fair governance. In light of this, Prime Minister Abe expressed the view that Japan and the United States would cooperate and engage in a dialogue with China.

(v) Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s efforts to improve relations with the Republic of Korea (ROK), and President Obama expressed his support for such efforts.

(vi)With regard to North Korea, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s consistent policy of pursuing a comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues of concern including the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues. Both leaders reaffirmed that Japan, the United States, and the ROK would coordinate their responses to the North Korea nuclear and missile issues. Prime Minister Abe also stated Japan’s intention to resolve the abductions issue at the earliest stage and President Obama expressed his understanding and support for these efforts.