Japan's New Prime Minister Assures US of Unwavering Alliance

Strategic Insights -

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama vowed to strengthen the bilateral relationship with the United States, stressing the importance of the Japan-US alliance as "the cornerstone" of Japan's foreign policy. During a meeting with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Hatoyama reassured Obama that his Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) would continue to deepen and advance the alliance. The two leaders shared a common policy on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agreed to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1874, which imposed sanctions on North Korea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Japan-US alliance remains a cornerstone of Japan's foreign policy, according to Prime Minister Hatoyama.
  • The US and Japan will cooperate on regional and global issues, including nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
  • The two leaders agreed to continue a common policy on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
  • Japan has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from 1990 levels to a mid-term target by 2020.
  • The Japanese government will review the realignment of US forces in Japan, including the air base in Okinawa.
  • The US president has praised Japan's contribution to nation-building in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • 25%: The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that Japan has pledged to achieve by 2020 from 1990 levels.
  • 2020: The target year for Japan to achieve its mid-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • 1874: The UN Security Council resolution that imposed sanctions on North Korea.
  • September 16: The date of the Japanese election that saw the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) come to power.
  • September 23: The date of the meeting between Prime Minister Hatoyama and President Obama.

Sources:

  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, Sept 23, 2009
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, Sept 23, 2009