The following is the gist of the summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump on Nov. 6, according to the Japanese government:
Opening remarks
Abe: We were able to hold in-depth discussions on North Korea and other international issues at the working lunch. I would like to continue to exchange views on the international situation, economic issues, and the bilateral relationship.
Trump: I am confident that we will be able to achieve the correction of the trade imbalance from now on. We have a wonderful friendship and good relations with Japan.
Abe, Trump confirmed that the two countries stand together one hundred percent on the North Korea issue and that the U.S.’s commitment to the defense of Japan is unshakable. They agreed that now is not the time to hold dialogue, but to apply maximum pressure.
Abe: We decided to implement further sanctions on North Korea.
Trump: We welcome your action.
Abe: We support the U.S. position of “putting all options on the table.”
Abe, Trump welcomed China’s making positive contributions to peace and prosperity of the international community. They confirmed the importance of continuing constructive dialogue with the Chinese government and agreed on the importance of China’s role.
Trump: We will continue to seek further cooperation from China.
Abe: We will cooperate closely with China while developing the Japan-China relationship steadily.
Security
Abe, Trump confirmed that a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is the basis of the stability and prosperity of the international community. They agreed on the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and will promote a strategy for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
They will continue to make efforts to enhance the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
They confirmed that both countries will promote the realignment of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) from the standpoint of reducing the impact on Okinawa and other local communities, while maintaining the USFJ’s operational capability and deterrence.
Trump: We support Japan’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Trade
Abe, Trump confirmed cooperation in autos, life science, and other areas.
They agreed that bilateral trade and investment will continue to be discussed at the Japan-U.S. Economic Dialogue led by Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and Vice President Mike Pence. They also agreed that the two countries should take the lead in formulating high trade and investment standards, not only bilaterally, but also in the broad Asia-Pacific region. They confirmed the need to create a free and fair trade environment.
Abe: Japan purchases the advanced stealth fighter F-35A and a wide range of other defense equipment from the U.S. for the purpose of improving its defense capability. It will continue to procure the new SM-3 Block 2A missile interceptor jointly developed by Japan and the U.S. Procurement of state-of-the-art equipment from the U.S. will continue to be important for the qualitative and quantitative enhancement of Japan’s defense capability.
According to the Japanese government’s briefing, there was no discussion on the TPP 11’s efforts to effectuate the TPP accord without the U.S. or a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). When the U.S. side took up the issue of trade deficits, the Japanese side explained: “The ratio of the trade deficit with Japan to the overall U.S. trade deficit has dropped to around 9%. Direct hires [by Japanese companies] in the U.S. have reached 860,000.”
