Ishiba: "Trump Did Not Demand Increased Defense Spending During Summit; U.S. Does Not Recognize North Korea as a Nuclear State"

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Highlights Key Takeaways from First U.S.-Japan Summit with Donald Trump

In a recent statement, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump did not request an increase in Japan's defense budget during their first summit held on February 7, 2025, at the White House. Speaking on NHK's Sunday Debate program, Ishiba provided insights into their discussions, emphasizing that both nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional security and denuclearization of North Korea, with the U.S. firmly refusing to recognize North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.

According to reports from Nikkei, Jiji Press, and NHK, Ishiba elaborated on the summit's focus, stating that while global attention often shifts to regions like the Middle East and Ukraine, the security landscape in Northeast Asia remains critically serious. He stressed that maintaining a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" is a shared responsibility between Japan and the United States, highlighting the importance of regional stability as a mutual goal.

Addressing concerns about Japan’s defense spending, Ishiba clarified that there were no demands from the U.S. regarding budget increases. He emphasized that decisions about Japan’s defense expenditures are based on national interests rather than external pressures, stating, "It’s not simply about increasing the budget. Japan will determine what is necessary for regional peace and stability, independent of any specific U.S. requests." This statement counters speculation about potential U.S. pressure on Japan to shoulder more defense costs, a topic that has historically surfaced in U.S.-Japan relations.

Regarding North Korea, Ishiba confirmed that both leaders shared a unified stance on achieving complete denuclearization, describing it as a common understanding between the two countries. He firmly noted that the U.S. does not recognize North Korea as a nuclear state, signaling a consistent policy stance that aligns with prior U.S. administrations' objectives.

When questioned about the Trump administration's approach to China, particularly concerning potential conflicts over Taiwan, Ishiba pointed out that the U.S. position remains unchanged from previous administrations. "It’s crucial to prevent any changes to the status quo through force," he said, underscoring the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait as part of broader regional security concerns.

Reflecting on his personal impressions of President Trump, Ishiba shared that while Trump may appear intimidating on television, he found him to be an attentive listener during their meeting. "I felt that we could have a meaningful dialogue. I believe we have good chemistry," Ishiba remarked, offering a more nuanced view of Trump’s leadership style beyond his public persona.

On the topic of potential new tariffs, which President Trump is expected to announce around February 10-11, Ishiba expressed skepticism about the necessity of imposing additional duties on Japanese goods. "One-sided exploitation or exclusionary practices don’t last long," he said, questioning whether there are legitimate grounds for increasing tariffs between Japan and the U.S. He also clarified that tariffs on Japanese automobiles were not discussed during the summit, dispelling concerns within Japan’s auto industry about possible trade tensions.

This summit marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Japan relations under the renewed leadership of both countries, with discussions covering a wide range of issues, from defense and security to economic cooperation. The reaffirmation of shared strategic goals, particularly regarding North Korea and regional stability, underscores the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance amid shifting global dynamics.