Japan-United States of America Relations

1. Prime Minister Abe stated the following:

• North Korea launched a ballistic missile today. It made it clear once again that North Korea is persistently continuing to pursue its nuclear and missile development.
• Although the missile did not fly over Japan, it flew for approximately 50 minutes on a trajectory, reaching far beyond an altitude of 4,000 kilometers. It was presumably a ballistic missile with intercontinental range. Nuclear development and missile launches that threaten the security of both Japan and the United States are totally unacceptable. Japan and the United States as well as Japan, the ROK and the United States should respond in a unified manner.
• President Trump’s recent visit to Japan and other Asian countries was a great success. The fact that Japan and the United States were able to share their concern regarding the North Korea issue with each country is beneficial to future responses.
• President Trump made an important decision that the United States once again designated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism soon after returning to the United States. I immediately expressed my support for the decision. This was an important step in continuing to increase pressure on North Korea.

2. In response, President Trump expressed strong concern towards the missile launch, and stated that it is essential to further increase pressure on North Korea.

3. The two leaders shared the view that it is particularly important for China to play a greater role, that the Japan-U.S. Alliance would make further progress in increasing its capacity to deter and deal with the threat posed by North Korea, that they will closely coordinate their efforts to further enhance pressure, and that Japan and the United States, as well as Japan, the ROK and the United States will work closely together at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).