U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the United States and Japan are the strongest allies, emphasizing that U.S.-Japan relations will become stronger than ever.
Kyodo News reported that Trump made these remarks during his opening statement at the U.S.-Japan summit held at the State Guest House in Tokyo.
He characterized the U.S.-Japan trade agreement as very fair and announced plans to sign a new accord.
A senior U.S. government official informed reporters that Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to sign a document underscoring U.S.-Japan cooperation.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in economic and security domains to bolster the U.S.-Japan alliance.
During this meeting, Takaichi is expected to outline plans for expanding investments in the U.S. and increasing defense expenditures.
Notably, Japan aims to accelerate its goal of raising defense spending to 2% of GDP. The Japanese government had initially planned to achieve this by fiscal year 2027 but now intends to incorporate it into the fiscal 2025 budget, including a supplementary budget to be formulated soon.
The implementation status of the tariff agreement reached in July will also be on the agenda for this summit. Both governments have decided to pursue a total of 550 billion USD in investments and loans to the U.S., and details are expected to be coordinated during the summit. They will specifically discuss projects in nine sectors, including semiconductors, critical minerals, shipbuilding, and energy.
The leaders plan to agree on cooperation in seven scientific and technological fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation communication standards. This initiative aims to counter China’s growing technological prowess in advanced sectors.
They will collaborate on research and development and international standardization efforts to provide reliable AI infrastructure and communication networks to emerging nations. Additionally, they will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance shipbuilding capabilities.
Following the meeting, the two leaders are scheduled to have lunch and then board the presidential helicopter to visit the U.S. Navy’s Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Prefecture.
