Japan-United States of America Relations

The two leaders shared the view that now is not the time for dialogue, that maximum pressure must be applied to North Korea, and the recognition that North Korea will not see a bright future unless it changes its course of actions toward denuclearization.

Prime Minister Abe announced that Japan intends to take additional measures, which President Trump welcomed in response.

Both leaders highly appreciated the fact that more countries have taken measures to downscale diplomatic and economic ties with North Korea and minimize the number of North Korean overseas workers in their countries. Both leaders also reaffirmed that they intend to continue to work together closely to this end.

The two leaders welcomed deepened coordination among Japan, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea (ROK), and reaffirmed to further foster coordination among three countries.

Both leaders reaffirmed that the full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea is imperative and confirmed that they intend to encourage related countries including China and Russia, including through direct engagement with their counterparts, so that the international community as a whole maximizes pressure on North Korea.

The two leaders confirmed that a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is a cornerstone for peace and prosperity of the international community and called on all states to respect freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the seas, and reiterated that both countries intend to continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows. The two leaders stressed the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, which is the core of the vitality of the world with its vast population and economic dynamism.

In addition, both leaders affirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to promote peace and prosperity in the region by developing the Indo-Pacific as free and open and directed relevant ministers and institutions to flesh out detailed cooperation, in particular, in the following areas:

• Promotion and establishment of fundamental values (rule of law, freedom of navigation, etc);
• Pursuit of economic prosperity (improvement of connectivity, etc); and
• Commitment for peace and stability (capacity building on maritime law enforcement, etc)

Both leaders reiterated that they will cooperate with any country that shares this vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The two leaders expressed concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas and they reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral coercive actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions. They reiterated that maritime disputes should be settled peacefully in accordance with international law. Taking note of the progress of discussion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), they emphasized the importance of demilitarization of the disputed features in the South China Sea.

The two leaders welcome China’s positive contribution to regional and global peace and prosperity, and stressed the importance for Japan and the U.S. to continue constructive dialogue with China.

President Trump reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Japan’s permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council.

The two leaders shared the view that they intend to continue to work toward enhancing the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance amid an increasingly severe security environment in the region. Along with appreciating the achievements made at the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (Japan-U.S. “2+2”) held in August 2017, they directed relevant ministers to continue to follow up with these achievements. The two leaders reaffirmed the commitment to the realignment of the U.S. forces in Japan in accordance with previous affirmations , maintaining operational and deterrent capability of U.S. forces in Japan Both leaders reconfirmed that the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma to Henokosaki is the only solution that avoids the continued use of MCAS Futenma and called for the steady implementation of the construction plan of the Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF), noting the adverse impact of further delays on the ability to provide for peace and security. Prime Minister Abe stated that it is essential to be responsive to local communities’ concerns regarding incidents, accidents and other issues. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of engaging local communities about the purpose of training and of allaying concerns about safety.

The two leaders welcomed that Deputy Prime Minister Aso and Vice President Pence confirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral economic, trade and investment ties at the second round of the Japan-U.S. Economic Dialogue held on October 16. They shared the view that both countries intend to take the initiative to establish high-standard trade and investment rules, advance cooperation on enforcement of unfair trade practices in third countries, and take a strong lead in supporting development and investment in the region and the world.

In addition, the two leaders confirmed to address the following matters in the field of trade and investment with a view to further strengthening the Japan-U.S. economic relationship.

• In the field of motor vehicles, both countries affirmed that they will strengthen cooperation bilaterally and, as appropriate, at relevant international fora such as World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29), on motor vehicle standards and the promotion of good regulatory practices. In addition, it is decided that U.S. safety standards found to be no less stringent than those of Japan will be deemed to meet the corresponding standards of Japan, and that imported motor vehicles under the Preferential Handling Procedure will be provided with equivalent opportunities to be eligible for government financial incentives.


• On life sciences innovation, the Japanese side decided to increase transparency in its system including by extending the time for industry organizations to present their views at the Central Social Insurance Medical Council (‘Chuikyo’).


• Moreover, the U.S. side confirmed that it is considering amending regulations related to the standards of fill for bottled distilled spirits.

The two leaders shared the view to carry forward the “Japan-U.S. Strategic Energy Partnership” within the framework of the Japan-U.S. Economic Dialogue. They also highlighted their commitment to cooperate on investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and other critical sectors to support development in emerging markets. Moreover, they shared the view that cooperation should take place between the relevant bodies that will jointly carry out infrastructure development in third countries.

Furthermore, the two leaders welcomed that investment to the United States by Japanese companies remains at a high level, and shared the view to promote two-way trade between Japan and the United States.

The two leaders took note of the signing of MOCs in the field of health and the housing for aging population. They also recognized the space cooperation between Japan and the United States and noted the holding of the second International Space Exploration Forum on March 3, 2018 in Tokyo. The two leaders shared the view that both countries will promote further cooperation in such areas as the exploration of space, health, and “aging in place.”

The two leaders shared the view to further enhance grassroots-level exchanges and dissemination of information in various parts of the United States.