Asia Pacific peace hinges on strong US-Japan alliance

The strong military alliance between Japan and the United States will be on full display thisweekend when, for the first time ever, 580 personnel of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Training Squadron will arrive at Port Everglades aboard the training vessel JS Kashima and the destroyer JS Harusame, under the command of Rear Adm. Koji Manabe. Fort Lauderdale is one of only five U.S. cities that will be visited as part of the JMSDF’s 164-day voyage, a training journey which began in May to provide midshipmen with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required to become career officers aswell as to promote friendly relations with the countries visited.

While in South Florida (Friday through Monday), the JMSDF Band and the Navy Band Southeast, one of 11 official U.S. Navy Bands, also will perform jointly in concert at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.

This visit offers an opportunity for the American people to deepen their understanding and renew their support of our alliance, which is essential for continued peace and stability in Asia and theworld.

At a time when Asia is confronted by threats such as North Korea and unilateral actions in the seas that threaten freedom of navigation and overflight, a strong Japan-U.S. alliance is essential for peace and security in the Asia Pacific region.

At the first formal meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump on Feb. 10, the two leaders affirmed strong determination to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. On the following day in Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed “100 percent” support for Japan at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Abe, immediately following North Korea’s missile launch. The two leaders and the two governments have been in regular contact.

U.S. servicemembers and civilians stationed in Japan play a crucial role in this alliance, with U.S. bases in Japan providing forward deployment of the U.S. Armed Forces and contributing to deterrence. Japan makes significant financial contributions to the largest U.S. military presence in the Asian region.

Japan has also been making efforts to contribute even more actively to the peace and stability of Asia Pacific and theworld by activating legislation on collective self-defense and new guidelines for U.S.-Japan defense cooperation.

Through hardwork and close cooperation of our nations’ forces, we have fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeast Japan in March 2011, the U.S. Armed Forces provided precious support in the affected areas despite the danger of nuclear radiation. Their heroic actions will always be remembered by the Japanese people.

More recently on June17, seven lives were lost aboard the USS Fitzgerald following its collision with a Philippine merchant vessel off the coast of east Japan. Iwould like to express my heartfelt condolences.

The warm welcome extended to the JS Kashima and JS Harusame at Port Everglades reflects the excellent relations between our two countries which share strategic interests and common values. I have no doubt that their visit will contribute to further strengthening our friendship and the support to our alliance.

This visit offers an opportunity for the American people to deepen their understanding and renew their support of our alliance.