Trump Calls The US-Japan Alliance Peace Runway In The Pacific

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump in a speech on Tuesday said the US-Japan alliance was the basis for peace in the Pacific.

The statement was made when Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited US carrier George Washington at the naval base, Yokosuka, southern Tokyo, as well as demonstrating the decades-long power of security partnerships between the two countries.

"Suddenly we became close friends," Trump said of Takaichi after flying with her with Marine One to the Yokosuka base, US Navy's 7th Fleet headquarters. "The alliance that has been upheld between the United States and Japan is one of the most extraordinary relationships in the world," he continued as quoted by ANTARA from Kyodo, Tuesday, October 28.

While emphasizing the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump also traveled together to the port city six years ago, Takaichi said he had renewed his determination to continue Abe's resolution to make Indo-Pacific free and open.

"Right now we are facing an incredibly tough security environment. Peace cannot be maintained with words only. Peace can only be maintained if there is determination and firm action," Takaichi said, adding he would "strengthen Japan's defense capabilities fundamentally."

"Japan is ready to contribute more proactively to regional peace and stability," he said.