Takaichi Summit with Trump Spotlights Japan's Security Challenges

On her first official visit to the United States, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with President Trump at the White House on Friday, March 20.

The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere. No rift developed between the two leaders regarding what has become the most concerning issue. That is, how to deal with the Iran situation.

In addition to the fighting in the Middle East, Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, in the region surrounding Japan, there are growing threats from China and North Korea.

Against these current challenging conditions, the two leaders commendably demonstrated the strength of the Japan-US alliance to both domestic and international audiences.

'Peace Across the World'

The safety of the Japanese people and the national interest are the government's paramount considerations. Therefore, the Prime Minister of Japan must maintain good relations with the President of the United States, Japan's only ally.

At one point, Takaichi stated, "[It is] only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world." She was not wrong to offer him praise during their meeting, while addressing him by his first name. 

Regarding Iran, Takaichi stated, "The development of nuclear weapons cannot be tolerated." Japan has also condemned Iran's attacks on neighboring countries and its de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

For his part, Trump criticized NATO for being uncooperative and praised Japan for being "different from NATO." He added that he hopes that Japan will "step up to the plate" in terms of the support it provides.

Initially, Trump requested that Tokyo send Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships to escort tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. However, in response, Takaichi explained Japan's legal constraints regarding the dispatch of military vessels. At the same time, she conveyed Japan's intention to make any possible contribution.

Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its crude oil imports. And the majority of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The issue of tanker passage through the strait remains unresolved.

It is natural for Japan to continue its diplomatic efforts to calm the situation. But that does not mean the issue of dispatching the MSDF units has disappeared. Prime Minister Takaichi should also consider such an option, including preparing for the dispatch of escort ships and minesweeping units.

Stability in the Taiwan Strait

During the meeting, the two leaders shared the understanding that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for regional security and global prosperity. Furthermore, they agreed to oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo. Trump could still visit China as early as late April. Therefore, it was good that the positions of Tokyo and Washington were reaffirmed beforehand.

Takaichi and Trump also agreed to jointly promote a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," regionally known as FOIP. They also emphasized broad bilateral security cooperation, including joint missile development and production.

Rescue of Japanese Abducted by North Korea

Regarding the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, President Trump once again gave his full support for an immediate resolution. We hope the US will exert pressure on North Korea and take other steps to ensure the early release of all abductees.

The summit was also important in deepening cooperation regarding energy and economic security. The two leaders shared the understanding that they would work jointly to expand US energy production with Japan's crude oil procurement needs in mind.

The Prime Minister proposed a joint venture to stockpile US crude earmarked for Japan's procurement. Securing US crude shipped by sea routes that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz or the South China Sea would greatly contribute to a stable energy supply for Japan.

Takaichi and Trump also confirmed strengthened cooperation in other areas. One is the development of critical minerals, including rare earth elements found in waters off Minamitorishima in the Ogasawara Islands. 

Reducing Dependence on China

Japan and the United States share a common goal of reducing their dependence on China. Meanwhile, Beijing has been increasing economic pressure on both countries through measures such as export restrictions on rare earth elements. The US and Japan are further eager to strengthen their supply chains. That would also allow Japan to increase cooperation with European countries and resource-rich nations. 

The two countries also used the summit to announce the second phase of Japanese investment in the United States, based on the 2025 tariff agreement. Of particular concern now is how the US government will handle the additional tariffs it is using as an alternative to the judicially voided reciprocal tariffs.

Won't Japan be placed at a disadvantage? There are also other outstanding issues, such as Japanese companies and other parties demanding the repayment of funds for the defunct reciprocal tariffs. The Takaichi administration should intensify its efforts to urge the US side to provide a clear approach for dealing with such issues.

There was considerable apprehension before the Prime Minister left for the US, but her visit ended as a success. Her efforts and those of others involved in dealing with the unpredictable US president must have been extraordinary. Their efforts are deeply appreciated. 

Japan's Weaknesses Highlighted 

Meanwhile, we would point out that the situation in Iran and the Prime Minister's visit to the United States have highlighted shortcomings and challenges facing Japan as a nation. Japan's Constitution, security-related laws, and the Act for the Establishment of the Ministry of Defense still impose many restrictions on the overseas deployment of the Self-Defense Forces. 

As things now stand, Japan has ample oil reserves. But depending on developments in Iran, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility that tanker escorts by the naval units sent by various countries may become necessary.

Even faced with such a situation, will Japan still have to rely on foreign countries to escort its own tankers? What if the US or other countries refuse to provide such help or impose exorbitant conditions?

Japan needs to transform itself into a country that will not become a captive to such difficult situations, but can instead act based on its own judgment. Hopefully, the Takaichi administration will give these possibilities serious consideration.

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Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun