My Vision for the Japan-U.S. Alliance

John J. Hamre: Good evening, everyone. My name is John Hamre and I’m the president at CSIS.

And it’s an enormous privilege and pleasure today to introduce Prime Minister Suga-san. He’s a world leader, and I’m so proud that President Biden invited him to be the first international leader to come visit in the Biden presidency. It is an indication of how crucial and important Japan is and how important Prime Minister Suga is as a leader, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to be with him today.

We have a very limited amount of time. I’m not going to distract us in this time from the opportunity to hear from Prime Minister Suga-san. And we would like to do that first, and then I’ll turn to my colleague Dr. Mike Green, who will have a couple of questions. But, Prime Minister, thank you. So grateful to have you with us.

(Note: Prime Minister Suga’s remarks are made through an interpreter.)

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga: Actually, let me introduce myself. I am Suga Yoshihide, prime minister of Japan.

President Hamre, participants joining us online, I feel most privileged to be given the opportunity to speak at the CSIS, a think tank representing the United States. In the limited time available, I would like to share with you my thoughts on the basic strategy of Japan’s foreign policy my administration is pursuing.

Turning our eyes to the Indo-Pacific, where Japan lies, we find a reality where change in power balance accompanying the rise of China and unilateralism that has become prevailing in the course of responding to the pandemic has led to increased uncertainties. At the same time, the regional security environment has become more severe. 

Last month, North Korea again went ahead with launch of ballistic missiles. Since 2013 – when I was the chief Cabinet secretary having responsibility over crisis management – to date, there have been approximately 80 missiles launched. All such launches are in clear violation of Security Council resolutions, and threaten the peace and security of not only our country but of the whole region. We must persistently seek the CVID of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges possessed by North Korea. Through close partnership with the United States and trilateral collaboration between Japan, the U.S., and ROK, we will proceed towards full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, aiming for denuclearization of North Korea.

In solving the issues over North Korea, it is China who holds the key. That very country is rapidly gaining influence in recent years – politically, economically, and on the military front – while continuing unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas. I have no intention whatsoever to concede in matters related to sovereignty or fundamental values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. On China policy, it is important for Japan and the United States to engage in thorough discussion. Moments ago, President Biden and I were able to conduct serious and meaningful debate on this matter.

Japan’s basic policy on pending issued caused by China is to firmly assert what should be asserted and strong request China to take specific action. At the same time, we must work to establish a stable and constructive relationship with China, and keep in close partnership with the United States and other likeminded nations. That is my basic philosophy.

The Indo-Pacific is the core of global dynamism, but on the other hand faces a number of challenging realities, as I’ve spoken of. Even in the midst of such a security environment, Japan is determined to protect the lives and the peaceful livelihoods of our people through our own efforts to improve our ability to respond through further strengthened deterrence and response capabilities based on our partnership with countries who share the same spirit – especially with the United States, our ally.

If you’ve heard what I said so far, you must have understood that the strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance is needed more than ever in the Indo-Pacific, to which Japan is also part of. Our alliance, underpinned by universal values such as freedom, democracy, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law, has never been as rock solid as today, thanks to efforts made over the years by both sides. However, the situation that surrounds us require both Japan and the U.S. to make further efforts.

In my engagement with North Korea’s nuclear and missile issue, and abduction, as well as the issues regarding the bases in Okinawa, personally feeling the importance of our alliance through firsthand experience, I have put in efforts to strengthen the alliance. Elevating the Japan-U.S. alliance to new heights is an important part of my responsibility in steering Japan’s foreign policy.

At the bilateral summit meeting held earlier today, President Biden and I reaffirmed the tight bond in our alliance. Through this meeting, I was able to gain confidence that we can work together to respond in solidarity as allies to various regional strategic challenges that I mentioned so far.

I am of the belief that a functioning Japan-U.S. alliance can successfully respond to new challenges that have begun to emerge. I look forward to making progress in Japan-U.S. cooperation in such areas as Covid-19 countermeasures, green growth, innovation, science and technology, as well as in harnessing economic security.

In terms of diplomatic strategy of Japan, we promote a strong Japan-U.S. alliance but extremely emphasize multilateral approaches at the same time. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the solidarity of the international community is required more than ever. So through multilateral coordination and collaboration to solve the challenges that the international community is faced with, we will strive to realize such a united world and lead the formation of a post-COVID world order.

As Japan promotes such multilateral approaches, what we always have in mind is not force or coercion but our firm belief that rules-based, free an open order, this is what brings peace and prosperity to the region and the world.

By now, this vision of our country has garnered wide support by the U.S., Australia, India, ASEAN, and Europe, and by the international community. At the leaders’ summit today, President Biden once again expressed his strong commitment to the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

At the so-called Quad leaders’ summit held for the first time last month, the leaders of Japan, Australia, India, and the U.S., which share universal values, voiced in unison their firm determination towards rules-of-law-based free and open order. Now that ASEAN and Europe are also becoming more strategically interested in the maintenance of freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific is encouraging, this is the time to translate our visions into actions through actual activities and cooperations.

Japan will aim for ensuring maritime safety and the enhancement of connectivity, and will proactively implement concrete projects such as maritime security-related law enforcement, capacity-building, or provision of support for quality infrastructure, including ports and harbors or power-supply networks.

The expansion of a free and fair economic zone that Japan promotes is also part of such efforts. Japan has concluded the Japan-EU EPA, Japan-U.K. EPA, or RCEP, and has consistently served as the flag bearer of free trade.

Regarding the TPP, after the withdrawal of the U.S. we have exerted our leadership to bring it into force by the remaining 11 countries. This year, as the chair, we will continue to lead the discussions for the steady implementation and for the expansion of TPP.

Furthermore, we will continue to be proactive in the reform of the WTO. And through the WTO negotiation on e-commerce, which Japan is a convener, we will exert our leadership for the realization of data free flow with trust.

By the accumulation of these concrete actions, I am determined to strategically promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Lastly, in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, authoritarianism might be more successful than democracy. This kind of thinking is rising recently, and therefore I wish to mention the importance of democracy. A democratic society is where each and every person can exert their maximum potential, and where freedom and ingenuity and creativity, as well as diversity and fundamental human rights, are respected. These are the kinds of societies that will bring happiness and prosperity to each and every person and will be the foundation for creating resilient societies. From this perspective, in order to ensure that freedom, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law are protected in all countries and regions, Japan is determined to continue to proactively contribute to international discussions and endeavors.

The top priority of my administration is the serious human rights issue of abduction. At the leaders’ summit we just held, President Biden has once again expressed his commitment to the immediate resolution. We will work closely with relevant countries, including the United States, and we’ll do our utmost to realize the return of all abductees as soon as possible.

I am prepared myself to meet Chairman Kim Jong-un without conditions towards the resolution of the abduction issue and towards the establishment of a fruitful relationship with North Korea. I am determined to act by standing at the forefront myself.

Regarding the human rights situation in Myanmar, Xinjiang Uighur, Hong Kong, and others, Japan will firmly raise our voice and work together with the international community and seek concrete actions.

It is my sincere wish that Japan and the U.S., that believe in resiliency of democracy, will exert stronger leadership. And together with likeminded countries, I wish to create a future full of hope.

Thank you very much.

Michael J. Green: Prime Minister Suga, thank you very much for your remarks. Welcome back to Washington. I think you were last here almost two years ago. We had a chance to meet in person then. And congratulations on a very successful meeting with President Biden and a very bold and ambitious agenda for the Indo-Pacific and the world, together with the United States.

You touched in your remarks on many important issues and many Japanese foreign policy initiatives. I’d like to pick up on one or two.

It was quite significant a month ago when you met with President Biden and the prime ministers of Australia and India for the first Quad summit. The Quad now appears to be a major part of diplomacy in Asia. You mentioned just now that increasingly other countries – Canada, Europe – are looking at a free and open Indo-Pacific. Can you tell us what your vision is for the future of the Quad? Do you see other countries joining the Quad or participating in some activities? How do you see the next steps in the Quad?

Prime Minister Suga: Last month the Quad summit was held for the first time, and there the leaders of Japan, U.S., Australia, and India, who share fundamental and universal values, spoke in one voice and delivered a very strong message as a determination towards free and open order based on the rule of law. With uncertainties increasing in the Indo-Pacific, first and foremost these four countries that share strategic vision should tackle regional challenges and uphold universal values such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law through making step-by-step efforts to create track record on concrete efforts.

In addition to conventional areas of cooperation like quality infrastructure and maritime security, we should deepen the current partnership in emerging areas like vaccines, critical technology, or climate change. And on top of that, there could be cooperation with other countries and regimes as appropriate in individual areas.

Thank you.

Dr. Green: Thank you. So it sounds like strengthening and deepening of cooperation among the four members of the Quad, with opportunities for other likeminded states to participate depending on the issue.

I wanted to also ask you about U.S.-Japan economic cooperation in rulemaking in the Indo-Pacific. As you noted, Japan has become a leader in international trade negotiations. Ten years ago only about 15 percent of Japan’s trade was covered by FTAs and EPAs, and now it’s over 80 percent. Japan has led on CPTPP, RCEP, with the EU, with the U.K. The U.S. is not in any of those. That’s partly our fault, but there’s a very important agenda with respect to digital trade and other issues. How do you foresee U.S.-Japan cooperation in building stronger rulemaking in the Indo-Pacific and more broadly?

Prime Minister Suga: Japan is strengthening economic partnership through bilateral and multilateral economic agreements to drive efforts towards the establishment of a free and fair economic order. We are also putting efforts in WTO reform and the making of new rules in digital trade, which has gained importance in the midst of the pandemic. 

Furthermore, my administration attaches importance on green as a new driver for growth and declared that we will try to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. At the bilateral summit held moments ago, President Biden and I agreed to launch the Japan-U.S. Climate Partnership to promote cooperation in this area.

The presence of the United States is indispensable for the Indo-Pacific region. I hope to engage in close communication with President Biden to study what we can do together. Thank you.

Dr. Green: Thanks, Prime Minister. I know we will all be watching with great interest to see how the U.S. and Japan build on the success of the Quad, build on economic rulemaking, and all the other areas you mentioned in your remarks. We are very, very grateful that you joined us virtually at the end of a very, very busy and successful day.

The cherry blossoms are still out in Washington. I hope before you go home you have a chance to see them. But thank you for taking the time with us. We appreciate it. We’ve learned a lot from your remarks. And we wish you a safe journey home.

Prime Minister Suga: Thank you for having me. And I’m reassured that you – both of you look so well.

(END)