During Harvard Worldwide Week, Koji Tomita, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, addressed U.S.-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. His talk was part of an event at Harvard’s Center for Government and International Studies South, organized by the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations at the Weather head Center for International Affairs. The discussion was moderated by Christina L. Davis, a Harvard Government professor and director of the program.
Harvard Worldwide Week, organized by the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs, showcases the global influence of Harvard’s academic and student communities.
In a session titled “U.S.-Japan Cooperation and the Future of the Indo-Pacific,” Ambassador Tomita and Professor Davis covered a range of topics including Japanese diplomatic relations with China, the U.S., and South Korea, as well as aspects of international trade.
Ambassador Tomita emphasized the critical role of Japan’s alliances with South Korea and the U.S. in maintaining East Asian peace and stability. He highlighted the expanding trilateral relations, especially in response to regional security concerns, and mentioned the collaboration in sharing data about North Korean missile launches.
He also pointed out the importance of fostering regular dialogue among these nations as a foundation for future progress and collaboration. Additionally, Tomita mentioned Japan’s efforts in building a community of nations based on shared values and principles.
Professor Davis brought up the growing apprehension over China’s regional presence as a factor in strengthening U.S.-Japan-South Korea relations. She noted the complex dynamics where strengthening ties within one group could cause concerns among others.
The discussion touched on recent trade challenges between Japan and China, particularly regarding Japan’s seafood exports following the discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. Ambassador Tomita acknowledged these challenges but expressed optimism for constructive and stable relations going forward.
He also expressed hope for China’s positive contribution to global issues, including climate change, noting that China, as a major global economy, has a significant role to play in addressing these challenges.
Regarding U.S.-China trade tensions, Ambassador Tomita commented on the eroding public confidence in free trade and the necessity to address concerns about the current trading system to restore this confidence.
Professor Davis remarked on Japan’s evolution in its approach to trade, transitioning from reluctance in liberalizing trade during the 1980s to actively promoting trade agreements now.
Concluding, Ambassador Tomita looked forward to further discussions with the United States, highlighting the breadth of issues on the trade agenda between the two nations.
Stay on top of supply chain news with The Supply Chain Report. Enhance your international trade knowledge with free tools from ADAMftd.com.
#HarvardWorldwideWeek #KojiTomita #USJapanCooperation #IndoPacific #HarvardUniversity #InternationalRelations #USJapanRelations #WeatherheadCenter #ChristinaLDavis #JapanSouthKoreaUSAlliances #RegionalSecurity #NorthKoreaMissileData #TrilateralRelations #FukushimaTradeChallenges #JapanChinaTrade #FreeTrade #GlobalClimateAction #USChinaTradeTensions #TradeAgreements #IndoPacificDiplomacy #JapanSeafoodExports #HarvardCenterForGovernment #IndoPacificSecurity #USJapanFuture
