Hard Work Begins for Takaichi, Trump Toward 'Golden Age' of Alliance

このページを 日本語 で読む

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and United States President Donald Trump held a summit meeting on October 28. Their first face-to-face meeting was a success. Confirming their cooperation in the areas of regional security, economic security, and trade, the two leaders clearly demonstrated the strong alliance between our two countries, both at home and abroad.

Takaichi and Trump met at the State Guest House in Moto Akasaka, Tokyo. Thereafter, they jointly met with the families of victims abducted by North Korea. Later, they flew together by presidential helicopter to the US Navy base Yokosuka (Fleet Activities Yokosuka) and inspected the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

In addition, the two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the coordination of Japan-US expansion of shipbuilding capabilities, and agreed to secure supplies of critical minerals such as rare earths, as well as to implement other terms of the previously concluded US-Japan trade agreement related to foreign investment in the United States.

Elevating the Partnership

"I want to build a new golden age for the Japan-US alliance together with President Trump," said Prime Minister Takaichi at their meeting. She emphasized that the Japan-US alliance "has become the greatest alliance in the world. Japan will join the US in contributing to world peace and prosperity."

Trump responded, "We are allies at the strongest level." He also repeatedly mentioned his relationship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and predicted that Takaichi would become one of Japan's greatest prime ministers.

Prime Minister Takaichi definitively began her relationship with Trump on a high note. Trump's favorable comments and actions were likely due to his appreciation of the Takaichi administration's political stances. In addition, he carries the view that she is the natural "successor" to her late political mentor, Shinzo Abe. Fairly stated, Abe, who was a close ally of Trump, continues to contribute to Japan's diplomacy even after his death. 

During his time in office, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gave the strong impression of trying to avoid contact with Trump as much as possible. That caused great damage to Japan's national interests.

Healthy ties between the leaders of Japan and the United States form the foundation of the alliance. Without such a relationship, peace and prosperity cannot be maintained. 

In that respect, it is understandable that Takaichi has expressed her intention to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. It is important to keep Trump's attention focused on the Far East and the Indo-Pacific region.

Defending the Peace

Prime Minister Takaichi explained to Trump her policies for strengthening Japan's defenses. The two leaders further agreed to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance. They also confirmed the importance of "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and the complete denuclearization of North Korea. 

In their mutual comments, they also recognized the importance of other partners in the region. Takaichi and Trump agreed to promote trilateral security cooperation, respectively, with Australia, the Philippines, and South Korea.

It was heartening to hear Trump say that Japan and the United States are "allies at the strongest level" and that he believes Japan is seeking to significantly strengthen its defense capabilities.

While on the US aircraft carrier, Trump also said the Japan-US alliance serves as the "cornerstone of peace and security in the Pacific."

"Peace is not defended by words, but by firm determination and deeds," declared Takaichi, adding: "We will drastically strengthen our defense capabilities and contribute to peace and stability in the region."

Concerns about an emergency involving Taiwan or the Korean Peninsula are growing. The authoritarian nations of China, Russia, and North Korea are strengthening their strategic alliance and posing an increasing threat. Strengthening the Japan-US alliance is essential to deter such emergencies.

Strengthening Economic Security

Economic relations are a key to prosperity and a crucial factor that also influences security. Trump's visit to Japan was significant in that it confirmed bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues. Japan-US cooperation on rare earths and in the shipbuilding sectors aims to curb China's high-handed behavior.

Rare earths are raw materials that form the foundation of the high-tech industry. Currently, China controls an overwhelming share of the global supply. A summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for October 30 in South Korea. It will almost certainly touch on this problem. Nevertheless, in the run-up, China has threatened to impose export restrictions on rare earth materials to pressure the US. 

Japan and the US should cooperate to create a robust supply chain for rare earths that encompasses extraction and processing.

To respond to China's rapid military expansion, there is an urgent need to bolster the US Navy. However, US shipbuilding capabilities have been declining for decades. Therefore, Japan's cooperation is strategically significant. 

Pressing for the Release of the Abductees

At the State Guest House, Trump told the families of the abduction victims that "We always have this (the abduction issue) in mind." He also pledged to do everything possible to resolve the problem. Trump seemed to be signaling that he is determined to finally find a solution to the abduction question, which is a heinous crime committed by the North Korean state.

The Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea held a press conference after they met with the US president. Afterward, Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea, said, "I believe something good will happen."

The Takaichi Administration should, of course, do everything in its power to resolve the issue. However, US pressure on North Korea is also of great importance. Trump has expressed a desire to again meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He should urge North Korea to promptly release all remaining abductees. 

RELATED:

• Takaichi and Trump Reaffirm 'The World's Greatest Alliance'
• Opinion Polls Show Strong Momentum for the New Takaichi Cabinet
• USS George Washington: A Look at One of the World's Largest Carriers

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

このページを 日本語 で読む