Japan-US hold first diplomatic vice-ministerial consultation since Trump took office
The first face-to-face Japan-US deputy minister-level consultation after the formation of the second Trump administration was held in the United States. It is reported that the Japanese government sought support from the US Department of State to promote the conclusion of tariff negotiation agreements.
On May 16 local time, Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Kenyu Funagawa and US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman exchanged opinions.
According to high-ranking officials of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues including the Japan-US alliance and security situation during the consultations. Regarding the tariff negotiations being advanced by the governments of Japan and the United States, Japan expressed hope that "the US diplomatic department can support us to reach an agreement beneficial to both parties."
Basing themselves on the outcomes of the February Japan-US summit talks, both sides confirmed their intention to continue close cooperation to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance. Additionally, they agreed to convene the Japan-US Security Consultative Committee (i.e., the "Japan-US 2+2") meeting as soon as possible.
Both sides reached consensus to conduct consultations between the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Department of State regarding specific measures to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
In addition, both sides confirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation among like-minded countries in the region, such as Japan-US-Korea, Japan-US-Philippines, and Japan-US-Australia-India. They also exchanged opinions on various topics related to China and North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue of Japanese nationals by North Korea concerning regional responses to China and North Korea.
Vice Minister Funagawa reiterated to Deputy Secretary Sherman the US government's consistent stance of support regarding the abduction issue of Japanese nationals by North Korea and expressed gratitude.
Both sides agreed that to further deepen Japan-US cooperation, the Japan-US vice-ministerial consultations should be regularized; they also agreed to promote trilateral vice-ministerial consultations among Japan, the US, and South Korea.
It is reported that this consultation did not involve the issue of the Trump administration's senior officials demanding that the Japanese government increase defense spending further.
Source: rfi
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832451837381849/
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