Chris Coons Questions Ambassador Nominee on US-Japan-Korea Trilateral Relations

Strengthening Trilateral Relations

• 📌 Senator Coons seeks to understand how Ambassador Glass would strengthen the trilateral agreement between the US, Japan, and Korea, noting recent "unfortunate developments" in Korea.
• 💡 Ambassador Glass acknowledges that recent events in South Korea represent a "step backwards" for the trilateral relationship but expresses optimism that specific issues can be narrowed down for advancement.

US-Japan Economic and Security Ties

• 🤝 Coons raises concerns about potential trade wars and the unsettling nature of public "bluster" from the US President, which impacts Japanese business leaders.
• 💰 He highlights the significant contributions of Japan, including hosting 60,000 US troops and providing substantial financial support, as the Special Measures Agreement is set for renegotiation.
• 📈 Ambassador Glass notes Japan's consistent support for US military presence, estimated at $1.4 billion annually, and suggests an increase may be necessary due to rising costs of military modernization and regional security challenges.

Japan's Global Contributions

• 🌍 Coons commends Japan's active support for Ukraine and hopes for continued engagement, as well as their development of a counter-strike capability.
• 🚀 He looks forward to Japan potentially co-producing, purchasing, and deploying Tomahawk missiles and other advanced systems.
• 🤝 Both Coons and Glass express a commitment to sustaining trusted, long-standing relationships with critical allies like Japan and Korea.