Japan, US forge “new golden era” for bilateral alliance

Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, and US President Donald Trump held their first summit in Tokyo, agreeing to strengthen the Japan-US alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities while deepening economic cooperation.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, pledged to build a “new golden era” of the alliance and confirmed Japan’s commitment to increasing defence spending, Kyodo News reports.

“I am convinced that I can take the Japan-US alliance to new heights with President Trump,” she told reporters. She described the bilateral relationship as “the greatest alliance in the world,” emphasizing their shared goal of promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and pledged continued US involvement in denuclearizing North Korea. They exchanged views on China, opposing any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, and agreed to enhance multilateral cooperation with countries including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and India.

Takaichi and Trump also signed agreements to secure and supply rare earths and other critical minerals, strengthening economic security, and reaffirmed the implementation of a July trade agreement. Takaichi praised Trump for his “unprecedented historic achievements” in Middle East peace and even suggested nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. She also reiterated Japan’s plan to donate 250 cherry trees to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.

Recalling the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a mentor to Takaichi, both leaders emphasized continuity in personal rapport. Trump said, “I have always had a great love of Japan and a great respect of Japan, and I will say that this will be a relationship that will be stronger than ever before.” He welcomed Japan’s increased defense purchases.

Following the summit at the State Guest House, the leaders visited the aircraft carrier George Washington in Yokosuka, delivering speeches to US Navy personnel. Takaichi affirmed Japan’s readiness “to contribute even more proactively to peace and stability in the region.”

The talks come amid rising regional tensions, including Beijing’s military activities in the East and South China seas and North Korea’s missile development, as well as intensified US-China economic rivalry. The summit underscored a shared commitment to security, economic growth, and regional stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva