Assistant Secretary Stilwell

Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell (for East Asian and Pacific Affairs) arrived on July 11 for the first time in Japan after taking office. Bearing in mind security cooperation between Japan and the U.S., the secretary told the press after arriving at Narita Airport, “I am looking forward to deepening our alliance as the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.” He also expressed his intention to discuss with Japanese senior government officials on issues of Iran and North Korea situations.

At the end of June, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction about the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, describing it as “an unfair agreement.” Mr. Stilwell said that while staying in Japan, “I am looking forward to exchanging opinions with Japanese senior officials on the free and open Indo-Pacific strategy, Iran and North Korea situations,” indicating to strengthen communication between Japan and the U.S.

According to the State Department, the secretary will stay in Japan until July 14 to meet with senior officials of foreign and defense ministries and the National Security Council and discuss deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance. He will visit Manila in the Philippines on July 15 and 16 to attend the U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue with Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver. He will visit Seoul on July 17 and Bangkok on July 18 and 19.