Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed on February 8 (Japan time) to elevate their nations’ alliance and strengthen defense cooperation during their first in-person meeting, which lasted nearly two hours.
Ishiba pledged to increase Japanese investment in the United States to $1 trillion, building on Japan’s position as America’s largest investor for five consecutive years. Trump welcomed the commitment.
The leaders affirmed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and addressed regional security challenges. Trump reaffirmed America’s pledge to defend Japan using all capabilities, including nuclear, and both leaders confirmed that the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands.
They agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in advanced technologies, including AI and semiconductors, while expanding energy security through increased U.S. liquefied natural gas exports to Japan.
On regional issues, both leaders expressed concern about unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, emphasized the importance of Taiwan Strait stability, and reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea’s complete denuclearization. Trump pledged continued support for resolving the Japanese abduction issue.
The leaders confirmed plans to strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries, including South Korea, Australia, India, and the Philippines. They agreed to maintain the implementation of U.S. Forces realignment in Japan, including the Futenma Replacement Facility construction at Henoko.
Ishiba invited Trump to make an official visit to Japan.
