TOKYO – U.S. President Donald Trump called for a stronger and deeper alliance between the U.S. and Japan as a call to mark the 60th anniversary of the U.S. – Japan security treaty signing. This move comes despite criticism regarding the pact six months ago.
Trump said that with the evolving security environment and the rise of new challenges, there needs to be a strengthening and deepening of their alliance.
In the months and years ahead, there should be continuous growth from Japan’s end to our mutual security and the alliance must continue to thrive.
Last June, Trump addressed a news conference in Japan that the treaty from 1960 was unfair and must be changed, as Japan is a free-rider on defence.
At the time, Trump said that he did not think of withdrawal from the pact.
The treaty obligates the U.S. to defend Japan which renounced its right to wage war post World War II. In return, Japan provides the U.S. with military bases to project power in Asia.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.