U.S. Senate sees Japan as contributing to security ties

June 28, 2019

Washington--The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a bill that clearly recognizes Japan's contributions made under the bilateral security alliance.

The fiscal 2020 defense authorization bill, which sets an outline of the U.S. defense budget, ran counter to U.S. President Donald Trump's fresh complaint about the two countries' longstanding security pact.

"Japan has made among the most significant 'burden sharing' contributions of any United States ally," the bill said.

"Japan has taken significant steps to enhance military capabilities for its own defense while increasing its contributions to collective security," the bill also stated.

It recognized Japan's role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to U.S. prosperity and safety.

While calling for further defense spending growth, the bill praised Japan's contributions through "direct cost sharing, paying for the realignment of United States forces currently stationed in Okinawa, community support, and other alliance-related expenditures."

Meanwhile, Trump said in a U.S. media interview broadcast Wednesday: "If we are attacked, Japan doesn't have to help us at all. They can watch on a Sony television the attack." Jiji Press