国会研究服务部-日美关系：国会面临的问题（英文）-2021.4-47页_1mb

Summary of Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress

Core Content

The U.S.-Japan relationship is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific, marked by a strong military alliance, extensive economic ties, and shared concerns over regional security and global issues. The alliance, established in 1952, allows the U.S. to maintain a military presence in Japan, currently comprising about 54,000 troops, while the U.S. pledges to defend Japan under Article Five of the mutual defense treaty. Both nations have expanded cooperation in areas such as climate change, technology, and global health, and have engaged in multilateral frameworks like the Quad (with India and Australia) to counter China's growing influence.

Main Points

• Military Alliance: The U.S.-Japan alliance remains a key pillar of their relationship, with the U.S. maintaining a military presence in Japan and Japan relying on U.S. security guarantees. However, Japan is seeking to increase its own defense capabilities and reduce dependency on the U.S.
• Leadership Transition: Following the change in leadership in both countries, the Biden and Suga administrations are focusing on continuity and institutional cooperation, though the U.S. has shifted from Trump's more transactional approach to a more traditional alliance framework.
• Regional Security Concerns: Both countries are concerned about China's military modernization and maritime assertiveness, as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. These issues have driven closer U.S.-Japan defense cooperation and increased emphasis on multilateral engagement.
• Trade Relations: The U.S. and Japan have a robust trade relationship, with Japan being the U.S.'s fourth-largest trading partner and a major source of FDI. The Trump administration initiated a limited trade agreement in 2020, but a broader deal remains uncertain. The Biden administration has not yet signaled a clear stance on further trade talks.
• Economic Challenges: Japan's economy is facing stagnation and demographic issues, prompting initiatives like "Womenomics" to stimulate growth. The U.S. continues to seek closer economic ties with Japan to counter China's economic influence.
• Japan-South Korea Relations: Tensions between Japan and South Korea have reached a post-war low, with disputes over historical issues (such as the comfort women issue) and trade restrictions affecting trilateral cooperation with the U.S.
• Climate Cooperation: President Biden has prioritized climate change, and Japan has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, Japan's continued reliance on coal for energy generation may create friction with U.S. climate goals.
• Okinawa Base Relocation: The relocation of the Futenma base remains a contentious issue, with ongoing negotiations and concerns about burden-sharing and host nation support.
• Political Landscape: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) remains dominant in Japanese politics, and Prime Minister Suga faces challenges including low approval ratings and the difficulty of hosting the postponed 2021 Summer Olympics.

Key Issues

• Defense Cooperation: Enhanced over the past decade, but Japan is seeking greater autonomy in defense matters.
• Burden-Sharing: Ongoing negotiations over the cost of U.S. military presence in Japan and Japan's contributions to the alliance.
• Trade Deficit: A major point of contention under Trump, with Japan concerned about U.S. tariffs on its auto exports.
• China Policy: Both countries are wary of China's growing power, but Japan seeks to balance its security concerns with economic ties to Beijing.
• Historical Disputes: The comfort women issue and territorial disputes in the East China Sea continue to strain Japan-South Korea relations.
• Climate Policy: Japan's reliance on coal for energy production may conflict with U.S. climate goals, despite shared commitments to reduce emissions.
• Economic and Political Challenges: Both countries face domestic economic and political hurdles that may influence their foreign policy priorities.

Conclusion

The U.S.-Japan relationship is complex, involving both cooperation and tension. While the two nations share common strategic goals, differences in policy approaches and domestic challenges may shape their future interactions. The Biden and Suga administrations are working to stabilize and strengthen the alliance, but the evolving security landscape, economic dynamics, and historical grievances will continue to influence their bilateral relationship.