Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in Munich to discuss economic cooperation, security issues, and ways to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. The meeting focused on reinforcing collaboration between the two countries, described as part of a "new Golden Age" in their bilateral relationship. This period follows the summit between President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held on October 28 in Tokyo.
During their conversation, Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Motegi addressed concerns over China's recent economic actions. According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, "Secretary Rubio underscored the United States’ ironclad commitment to Japan." Both officials agreed that it is necessary to modernize their economic and security cooperation in order to counter non-market practices and coercive diplomacy. They discussed steps to avoid strategic dependencies that could make either country vulnerable.
The meeting also included discussions about trilateral cooperation with South Korea (ROK), which both parties described as essential for maintaining stability in the region and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
