Japan's PM Ishiba, Trump meet in Washington to strengthen bilateral ties

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on 7 February for their first in-person meeting. The meeting, which began at 11:55 AM local time (1:55 a.m. 8 February, Japan time), lasted approximately 110 minutes, including a 30-minute small-group session and an 80-minute extended working lunch.

At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that the U.S. is Japan’s most important partner for diplomacy and security. He expressed his intent to collaborate with President Trump to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The two leaders discussed the complex security environment and agreed on the need to closely cooperate to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities in the region. Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan's commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, while President Trump reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to defending Japan, including using nuclear capabilities if necessary. Both leaders reaffirmed that Article V of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Senkaku Islands.

The leaders also agreed to move forward with the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan, including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility and the return of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa.

In the economic realm, the two leaders affirmed their close partnership, with Japan being the largest investor in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed Japan’s goal of increasing its investment in the U.S. to one trillion dollars, a move welcomed by President Trump. Both leaders agreed to improve the business environment, enhance bilateral investment, and promote technological advancements in AI and semiconductors, while strengthening energy security, particularly through increased exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Japan.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and agreed to address China’s efforts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas. They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and agreed to continue efforts toward resolving the abductions issue. Prime Minister Ishiba received President Trump's full support on this matter.

Both leaders expressed a desire to strengthen coordination among like-minded countries, including Japan-U.S.-South Korea, Japan-Australia-India-U.S., and Japan-U.S.-Philippines frameworks.

The meeting concluded with Prime Minister Ishiba inviting President Trump for an official visit to Japan at the earliest opportunity. The two leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to further enhancing the Japan-U.S. partnership.