Japan Rejects Trump's Statement Recognizing North Korea as a Nuclear Power

by Kim Jinyeong

Published 21 Jan.2025 18:24(KST)

The Japanese government congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on his inauguration on the 21st and announced a prompt bilateral summit, while expressing a negative stance on the recognition of North Korea's nuclear development.

Hayashi Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, congratulated President Trump on his inauguration and stated, "The Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomatic and security policy. We will hold a meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Trump as early as possible."

AP Yonhap News

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, "Through frank discussions at the Japan-U.S. summit, we aim to build a solid trust relationship and further elevate the level of the alliance," adding, "At the same time, we want to firmly share with the new U.S. administration that the joint efforts of both countries to realize the Indo-Pacific greatly contribute to regional and global peace and stability."

However, regarding President Trump's reference to North Korea as a 'nuclear power,' Hayashi took a tough stance, saying, "North Korea's nuclear and missile development threatens the peace and security of our country (Japan) and the international community and can never be accepted." He added, "We will cooperate with the United States, South Korea, and the international community to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and demand the complete dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs."

On the possibility of President Trump engaging in dialogue with North Korea, Hayashi said, "I will refrain from making presumptive answers," but emphasized, "Since cooperation with the United States and the international community is essential in responding to North Korea on issues such as abductions and nuclear and missile development, we will continue to closely coordinate with the U.S. government."

Hayashi also spoke about the tariff policy announced by President Trump in his inaugural address. He stated, "At this point, the specific details are unclear," and confirmed a general position: "We will first investigate the specific contents of forthcoming measures and their impact on our country, then respond appropriately."

Earlier, in his inaugural address, President Trump declared, "Instead of taxing the American people to make other countries rich, we will impose tariffs and taxes on foreign countries to make the American people rich."

Regarding President Trump's signing of an executive order on his first day to withdraw again from the Paris Climate Agreement, Hayashi said, "Climate change remains an urgent common challenge for humanity, and it is important for all countries, including major emitters, to respond." He added, "The relationship with the United States in global climate change measures remains important, and we will continue to actively engage with the issue while seeking ways to cooperate."