Japan-United States of America Relations

Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed President Trump’s visit to Japan and expressed respect for his contributions to the development of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and his leadership in the international community, including in the Middle East.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI also stated that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is the foundation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and emphasized that strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance further is a top priority in Japan's foreign and security policy, and that Japan is an indispensable partner for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region.

Furthermore, Prime Minister TAKAICHI conveyed her determination to restore strong Japanese diplomacy with the Japan-U.S. Alliance, now the greatest alliance in the world, as the cornerstone. She expressed her desire to create a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. Alliance together, that makes both countries stronger and more prosperous.

In response, President Trump expressed his very warm congratulation for Prime Minister TAKAICHI on her appointment and stated that the Japan-U.S. relationship would be stronger than ever before. President Trump emphasized that he would help Japan at any time when Japan needs and stated that he would have a fantastic relationship with Prime Minister TAKAICHI. The two leaders also affirmed their intention to jointly celebrate 250 years of American independence next year and further develop the friendship and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the U.S.

The two leaders concurred to advance a broad range of security cooperation in order to further enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that she has consistently emphasized the necessity of fundamentally reinforcing defense capabilities amidst the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II and that she has taken actions immediately after assuming office. She expressed her commitment to continue working on fundamentally reinforcing its defense capabilities and increasing its defense spending as its own initiative. President Trump stated that he knows that Japan is increasing defense capabilities very substantially.

The two leaders signed a document reaffirming the swift and continued efforts by both countries regarding the agreement on tariffs between Japan and the U.S. ("Implementation of the Agreement – Towards a New Golden Age of the Japan-U.S. Alliance”) and confirmed their intention to further strengthen economic growth of both countries.

They also signed a document on critical minerals and rare earths ("Japan-U.S. Framework for Securing Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing"). Furthermore, they concurred to further strengthen economic security initiatives in a wide range of fields, including critical technologies such as AI and shipbuilding, in addition to critical minerals and rare earths.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI expressed her determination to continue strongly promoting the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" as a pillar of Japan's diplomacy and to develop the concept in line with the eras. Additionally, the two leaders affirmed their commitment to work closely together to strongly advance the FOIP. Under this vision, they also affirmed the importance of strengthening regional networks among like-minded partners, such as Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan-U.S.-Philippines, and Japan-Australia-India-U.S.

The two leaders exchanged views on efforts towards peace in various regions of the world, including in the Middle East, Cambodia and Thailand, where ceasefire agreements have been recently realized. Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that Japan is a partner in the pursuit of peace alongside the United States.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation and various challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, considering upcoming diplomatic calendar. They discussed the unprecedentedly severe and complex regional security environment, including the cooperation among China, North Korea, and Russia, as well as intensification of their military activities.

They exchanged views on issues concerning China. They opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, and concurred to work closely between Japan and the U.S. They reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The two leaders shared the views on the situation regarding North Korea, and affirmed the need to address its nuclear and missile issues together, as well as their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea

Prime Minister TAKAICHI asked for continued understanding and cooperation of the U.S. for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained full support from President Trump. Additionally, the two leaders met with the family members of the abductees.