U.S.-Japan Relations: Moving Forward After the Historic Washington/Mar-a-Lago Summit

The visit between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last month demonstrated the strength and vitality of the alliance between the U.S. and Japan. By all accounts the meeting was successful for both sides, yet there are lingering issues affecting the bilateral relationship. Given his pre-election remarks regarding Japanese responsibility for regional defense, is President Trump's recent assurance that America remains a committed ally enough to put the matter to rest? Will the alliance between these two leaders help Prime Minister Abe’s ambitions to strengthen Japan’s military and increase defense spending? How exactly will threats from North Korea be addressed by this partnership, given Pyongyang's most recent missile test? What lies ahead for the trade relationship between the U.S. and Japan following the Trump administration’s declared withdrawal from talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

On Wednesday, March 15, Hudson Institute hosted an important conversation about these issues with the Hon. Katsuyuki Kawai, Special Advisor to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Hudson's President and CEO Kenneth R. Weinstein.