On July 12, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the “very solid” relationship between the US and Japan during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, July 11. He dismissed speculations from the outside world about any “conflict or division” between the two parties. Rubio emphasized that the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region remains unchanged, with close cooperation and a commitment to deepening strategic partnerships in the future.
Rubio told reporters that the US and Japan have a long-standing and robust bilateral relationship that will not change due to short-term policy or economic disputes.
In a light-hearted manner, he mentioned that within his five and a half months in office, he has had more meetings with the Japanese Foreign Minister than with any other country’s foreign minister, even jokingly saying that they have “met more times than with our own spouses,” highlighting the frequent interactions and close cooperation between the two sides.
Rubio pointed out that, “As two open democratic governments, when there are disagreements, these differences are public, not private—but I do not see this as negative. We have a very strong and very good relationship with Japan, and that will not change.”
“Anyone trying to exaggerate conflicts or sow division should not do so, because the fact is, our relationship with Japan is very solid,” he said.
Regarding Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent call for Japan to “reduce reliance on the US” in areas such as security, food, and energy, Rubio stated that the US does not oppose this idea and actually supports Japan in enhancing its self-defense capabilities.
He said, “The idea that Japan can develop its own defense capabilities is not something we would oppose; it is something we support, of course, within the framework of their constitutional system.”
Recent reports from Japanese media suggested that the US had asked Japan to significantly increase defense spending, causing concerns within Japan. Rubio made it clear that the US had not made any “demands” to Japan, but rather encouraged Tokyo to invest in specific defense capabilities.
“I wouldn’t characterize this as a ‘demand’. I mean, we do encourage them to invest in certain capabilities. But this is not about the amount; it’s mainly about the specific defense capabilities they are developing,” Rubio said.
As Rubio visits Asia, US-Japan relations are facing new economic and trade challenges.
President Trump announced earlier this week that starting from August 1, a 25% tariff would be imposed on imports from Japan. Rubio admitted in an interview that trade and tariff issues are indeed a common concern during this visit, but he emphasized that the US actions are aimed at recalibrating the global trade landscape rather than targeting specific allies.
“We do not see this as an opportunity to leave others behind. We don’t see it that way. We see it as an opportunity to readjust global trade after experiencing unfairness for two or three decades, making it fairer for the American people,” Rubio stated.
“If you look at some trade deficits, they are huge, really huge. This has to be addressed, this trend cannot continue. It should have changed a long time ago, and President Trump has finally done it. I think countries can understand this,” he added.
Rubio emphasized that the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region “will not change,” and whether it is economic, diplomatic, or defense cooperation, it will continue to deepen and expand. He pointed out that the scale of US foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia ranks first globally, with 6,000 US companies investing and operating in the region. The US does not plan to “turn away” but rather hopes to further strengthen economic, trade, and security cooperation.
He added, “We will not give up economic and defense ties with Southeast Asia; rather, we will strengthen them.” He also mentioned that the US government recently signed a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear energy cooperation with Malaysia and is promoting similar arrangements in Thailand, demonstrating the US commitment to deepening partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Furthermore, Rubio also refuted some media claims that the US is neglecting the Indo-Pacific region, stating that “no matter where you go in the world,” there will always be someone who thinks the US is not paying enough attention to a certain region. However, the economic and security cooperation between the US and the Indo-Pacific region has never diminished.