Japan-strongUstrong.S. Relations Issues for Congress.pdf

Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress Emma Chanlett-Avery, Coordinator Specialist in Asian Affairs Mark E. Manyin Specialist in Asian Affairs Ian E. Rinehart Analyst in Asian Affairs Rebecca M. Nelson Specialist in International Trade and Finance Brock R. Williams Analyst in International Trade and Finance September 29, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 RL33436 Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress Summary Japan is a significant partner of the United States in a number of foreign policy areas, particularly in U.S. security priorities, which range from hedging against Chinese military modernization to countering threats from North Korea. The alliance facilitates the forward deployment of about 50,000 U.S. troops and other U.S. military assets based in Japan. In addition, Japan’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks increases the significance of the proposed trade pact, which is a core component of Obama Administration efforts to “rebalance” U.S. foreign policy priorities toward the Asia-Pacific region. After years of turmoil, Japanese politics has been relatively stable since the December 2012 election victory of current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Abe was re-elected as leader of his party in September 2015. The Japanese constitution does not require new Lower House elections until 2018. The LDP’s victory in December 2014 elections provided Abe with some political capital to pursue the more controversial initiatives of his agenda, such as joining the proposed TPP trade pact and