Japan-United States of America Relations

At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe expressed his sincere condolences over the recent terrorist attacks in New York and elsewhere. Prime Minister Abe stated the need to strengthen concrete cooperation based on their resolute resilience to terrorism and stated that he hopes to further strengthen collaboration between Japan and the United States. Following that, Prime Minister Abe expressed his view that because the current international order is facing various challenges such as the repeated nuclear tests and missile launches by North Korea and attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the role the Japan-U.S. Alliance plays in the stability and prosperity of the regional and international communities is important ever before. Prime Minister Abe stated that he would like to deepen discussions with Vice President Biden.

In response, Vice President Biden expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister Abe’s comments on the terrorist attacks, stating that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is important not only for the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region but for those of the international community and that he wants to continue to strengthen the alliance relationship.

In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that it is vital to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, noted that there is no change to Japan’s position that the relocation of Futenma Air Station to Henoko is the only solution, and stated that the judicial process is also progressing. The two sides confirmed they will continue to work together to mitigate the impact on Okinawa.

Prime Minister Abe stated that North Korea’s threat has reached an unprecedented level and pressure on North Korea should be strengthened through taking measures including the prompt adoption of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that incorporates new sanctions. Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes Japan and the United States will work closely together on independent sanctions.

Vice President Biden replied that he agreed with Prime Minister Abe’s comments, and the two sides shared the view that Japan and the United States will closely collaborate and coordinate their efforts to advance the work on adopting a new resolution at the UNSC with China.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that it is vital to exert pressure on North Korea in the area of human rights as well and that he hopes to collaborate on responding to human rights issues including the abductions issue. Vice President Biden stated that the United States is also deeply concerned about North Korea’s actions and that the international community needs to strengthen pressure.

The two sides exchanged views on recent developments between Japan and China and between the United States and China and various challenges including maritime security. During this, Prime Minister Abe stated that at the Japan-China Summit Meeting held at the G20 Summit, he shared recognition with Mr. Xi Jinping, President of China, that they will strive to improve Japan-China relations and at the same time he requested that China exercises self-restraint with its activities in the East China Sea. Vice President Biden expressed deep concern with regard to China’s activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea and reiterated the United States’ commitment to respond with emphasis on the alliance relationship.

Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to increase the momentum for the early entry into force of the TPP. The two sides shared the view that they will continue their efforts to bring the TPP into effect promptly.

Responding Vice President Biden’s inquiry on Japan’s response to the issue of Russia and Ukraine Prime Minister Abe stated that he wants to seriously resolve the Northern Territories issue, which is the most significant issue of concern between Japan and Russia that has remained unresolved for more than 70 years since the end of World War II. Prime Minister Abe stated that the only means to resolve this issue is having dialogue with Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia and stated that he has invited President Putin to Yamaguchi Prefecture in December. Prime Minister Abe also stated that there is no change in Japan’s intention to continue imposing sanctions on Russia and maintaining G7 solidarity and that, regarding Ukraine, is concerned it is essential for all the concerned parties to fully implement the Minsk Agreements.

In response, Vice President Biden expressed confidence in Prime Minister Abe’s prudent handling, and the two sides confirmed that they continue to communicate closely in the future.