By Mina Pollmann
A joint statement released with Obama and Abe’s meeting reveals the focus of the alliance moving forward.
One of the major objectives of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ongoing seven-day tour of the United States is to reaffirm the “common vision” that the two sides have for the U.S.-Japan alliance: an alliance that can credibly uphold peace and stability in Asia and around the world. This was openly acknowledged at the summit meeting between President Barack Obama and Abe when Obama proclaimed, “The United States has renewed our leadership in the Asia-Pacific … Prime Minister Abe is leading Japan to a new role on the world stage.” In response, Abe affirmed that revitalizing the U.S.-Japan relationship is “the top priority of my foreign policy” and that the relationship is now “more robust than ever.”
That common vision was defined in the U.S.-Japan Joint Vision Statement issued alongside the Obama-Abe meeting. It included a strong emphasis on shared values. “Together we have helped to build a strong rules-based international order, based on a commitment to rules, norms, and institutions that are the foundation of global affairs and our way of life,” the statement intoned.
The Statement described the meeting between Obama and Abe as a “historic step forward in transforming the U.S.-Japan partnership” by affirming and endorsing Abe’s doctrine of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.” Specifically, the new Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation will “update our respective roles and missions within the Alliance and enable Japan to expand its contributions to regional and global security.” Even though Japan does not face a traditionally defined “threat,” according to Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Kenichiro Sasae, it does face significant strategic challenges that will require Japan to upgrade its own capabilities and its ability to cooperate with the United States.
Read the full story at The Diplomat