Japanese PM Confirms Promotion of U.S.-Japan-South Korea Cooperation... Strengthening Economic Security Ties with U.S. (Update)

"Significant Results Achieved Through Candid Discussions Across a Wide Range of Fields"
Commitment to North Korea's Denuclearization Also Reaffirmed

On October 28, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, "We have reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and at the same time, to further promote cooperation with allied countries such as South Korea, the United States, and Japan."

Prime Minister Takaichi made these remarks to local reporters after returning to her official residence following an inspection of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier stationed at the Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, together with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is visiting Japan.

Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. The Asia Business Daily DB

Prime Minister Takaichi said that the summit "produced significant results through candid discussions across a wide range of fields."

She also confirmed, "We agreed to further strengthen economic security cooperation in key areas such as critical minerals, rare earths, artificial intelligence (AI), and shipbuilding."

Regarding the response to North Korea, she stated, "I received full support from President Trump on cooperation regarding the abduction issue," and emphasized, "We also newly reaffirmed our commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea."

When asked whether the scale of the defense budget increase was discussed, she replied, "There was no particular discussion," and added, "There was no conversation with specific figures in mind."

Earlier, President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi held a summit and other events in Tokyo before visiting the Yokosuka base, where they boarded the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington (CVN-73), which was docked there.

At the site, Prime Minister Takaichi remarked, "We will fundamentally strengthen Japan's defense capabilities and actively contribute to regional peace and stability," and added, "Together with President Trump, I will further elevate the U.S.-Japan alliance."