U.S., Japan seek "new golden age for relations"

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (KUNA) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru affirmed determination to pursue a "new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations that upholds a free and open Indo-Pacific and brings peace and prosperity to a violent and disorderly world." This came in a joint statement issued following the two leaders' meeting at the White House late Friday.
They expressed their shared desire for bilateral security and defense cooperation under the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security to grow stronger than ever, and emphasized that the U.S.-Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Japan reiterated its unwavering commitment to fundamentally reinforce its own defense capabilities, which the United States welcomed, while the U.S. underscored its unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear capabilities.
The two leaders reaffirmed that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Senkaku Islands, and reiterated their strong opposition to any action that seeks to undermine Japan's longstanding and peaceful administration of the Senkaku Islands.
In line with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and the U.S.-Japan Guidelines for Defense Cooperation, Japan reaffirmed its role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region by seamlessly responding to any situation from peacetime to contingencies. (end) asj.mt