Japan has pledged to increase its investment in the United States to an unprecedented level of $1 trillion during an in-person meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald J. Trump on February 7 (Washington D.C. time), reaffirming their nations’ strong alliance.
“Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed his willingness to cooperate together to elevate Japan’s investment in the U.S. to an unprecedented amount of one trillion dollars, and President Trump strongly welcomed such investments by Japanese companies,” according to the joint statement released after their meeting.
“Japan and the U.S. are close partners in the economic field, with Japan being the world’s largest investor in the U.S. for five consecutive years,” it added.
Both leaders agreed to take further steps to improve the business environment, increase bilateral investments, and strengthen cooperation in advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
The two nations also committed to enhancing energy security, including expanding U.S. liquefied natural gas exports to Japan in a mutually beneficial manner.
Beyond economic matters, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the region’s security.
“The two leaders shared the views on the severe and complex security environment and concurred to work closely to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific and to elevate the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights,” the joint statement read.
President Trump reiterated the United States’ “unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear.”
Reaffirming U.S. support amid ongoing regional tensions, the joint statement said that “Article V of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Senkaku Islands.”
The leaders also addressed broader security concerns, noting their shared stance against any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas.
They reiterated “the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” signaling firm opposition to any efforts that could destabilize the region.
On North Korea, the two leaders affirmed their joint commitment to denuclearization, with Prime Minister Ishiba securing President Trump’s “full support” for resolving the longstanding issue of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese citizens.
Both sides also emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation with like-minded countries, including strengthening trilateral coordination with South Korea, as well as expanding strategic partnerships with Australia, India, and the Philippines.
At the conclusion of their meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba invited President Trump for an official visit to Japan at an early date. Veronica Uy
