On February 7, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump convened in Washington, D.C., to reaffirm and strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. Their discussions encompassed economic collaboration, defense commitments, and regional security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Economic partnership and technological collaboration
The leaders highlighted the robust economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade exceeding $290 billion in 2023-24. They emphasized the importance of fair trade practices and fostering an investment-friendly environment. Key areas of collaboration identified include energy, semiconductor production, artificial intelligence, and clean energy solutions. Given China’s dominance in rare earth materials, both countries agreed to work together to secure alternative supply chains. Japan’s direct investment in the U.S. supports over 850,000 American jobs, while U.S. companies continue to expand their presence in Japan’s automotive and tech sectors.
Strengthening military readiness
In response to China’s increased defense budget, which reached $230 billion in 2024, the U.S. and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to extended deterrence, including the U.S. nuclear umbrella and conventional defense commitments. The U.S. maintains approximately 54,000 troops in Japan, underscoring the strategic importance of the alliance. Japan expressed its intention to increase defense purchases from the U.S., building upon its current $23 billion annual defense budget. Both nations agreed to enhance military coordination, particularly in missile defense and cybersecurity. A two-plus-two meeting of top defense and foreign policy officials is planned for the first half of the year to further these efforts.
Addressing regional stability
The leaders expressed concern over China’s territorial claims in the East and South China Seas. They reaffirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China. In 2023, Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japanese-controlled waters near the Senkaku Islands over 170 times, escalating tensions. The joint statement also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, a vital corridor through which over 40% of global trade passes. Both nations committed to strengthening deterrence measures to uphold regional stability.
This summit marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Japan relations, setting a strategic roadmap for deeper economic ties, enhanced military cooperation, and a unified stance on global security challenges. The leaders expressed optimism about entering a “golden age” in bilateral relations, aiming to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
