"We will have relations with North Korea, with Kim Jong Un. I got along with him very well," Trump said at a joint press conference, describing their relationship as "a very big asset for everybody" and claiming he had prevented war during his first term. The remarks added to growing expectations for potential resumption of personal diplomacy with Kim, whom Trump called "a smart guy" in a Fox News interview last month.
Ishiba said the leaders affirmed their commitment to addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile program and working toward complete denuclearization. The Japanese premier raised concerns about Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago, expressing urgency as families age.
"I remain committed to the effort I began in my first term to ensure safety and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Trump said, emphasizing the importance of "peace through strength" in the Indo-Pacific region.
The leaders agreed to strengthen Indo-Pacific security cooperation, including trilateral partnerships with South Korea and the Quad alliance comprising the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India. They pledged to oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas and emphasized peace across the Taiwan Strait.
On trade issues, Trump highlighted the $100 billion U.S. trade deficit with Japan, announcing plans to implement reciprocal tariffs next week. He also revealed a new agreement involving Japanese investment in U.S. Steel, replacing a previously rejected acquisition plan. The White House later clarified Trump's reference to "Nissan" should have been "Nippon Steel" regarding the U.S. Steel investment.
Ishiba committed to increasing Japanese investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion and expanding imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas "in a mutually beneficial way." The leaders also agreed to cooperate on advanced technologies including AI and semiconductors, while treasury officials will maintain close dialogue on currency matters.
Japan pledged to double its defense spending by 2027 compared to Trump's first term, with Ishiba emphasizing this was Japan's independent decision rather than U.S. pressure. "We are ready to share responsibilities and play our own role as an ally," Ishiba said, expressing hope for a "new golden age" in U.S.-Japan relations.
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