U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance in their first summit Saturday, pledging closer defense and economic cooperation amid rising regional tensions. Trump underscored Washington’s “unwavering commitment” to Japan’s defense, including its nuclear deterrence. They agreed to expand military cooperation, increase the U.S. military presence in Japan’s southwest islands and advance joint command-and-control capabilities to enhance regional deterrence.

On economic ties, Ishiba pledged to increase Japanese investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion, a move welcomed by Trump. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, semiconductors and supply chain resilience, positioning Japan as a critical partner in U.S. technology and economic security policies. They also confirmed plans to boost U.S. LNG exports to Japan, reinforcing energy ties in response to global supply chain disruptions. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing trilateral security cooperation with South Korea and closer engagement with Australia, India and the Philippines.