    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 4, 1991]
    [Pages 330-331]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Japan-United States Relations
    April 4, 1991

        I think back to when I met with Prime Minister Kaifu in Palm Springs
    last March--1 year and a world of change. Since then, we closed the last
    chapter on the cold war. We built a coalition that rescued a tiny nation
    from a terrible fate. We defended an ideal that is good and right and
    just.
        But our work is far from finished. With change comes new
    challenges--for both our nations--with global implications for growth,
    stability, and peace.
        Our two nations must work to forge a global partnership. And since
    last year's meeting in Palm Springs, we have made very real progress. In
    the past year, we have resolved significant trade disputes and we've
    moved to ease trade tensions.
        We've made solid progress, opening new markets to satellites,
    telecommunications, and wood products. We need to move ahead now in
    construction services, autos and auto parts, semiconductors, and other
    areas. We need to prove that our efforts under the Structural
    Impediments Initiatives produce real results. It remains our best hope
    of fending off those who advocate managed trade between our nations.
        Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to tear down the walls to free
    and fair trade, and build on the open exchange that helps both our
    nations.
        Our efforts to expand free trade have produced real results. In
    1990, the U.S. trade deficit with Japan fell for the third straight
    year. American exports to Japan continued to rise, up more than 75
    percent since 1987. In fact, many Americans would be surprised to learn
    that Japan buys more goods from the United States per capita than we buy
    from Japan.
        Together, our two nations share a special responsibility to maintain
    and strengthen the multilateral trading system. Japan and the United
    States are powerful forces for global prosperity. But we cannot promote
    continued growth in a world system where

    [[Page 331]]

    free market forces are in retreat.
        That is why the success of the Uruguay round trade talks is
    critical. Along with other nations, Japan and the United States must
    assume strong leadership roles in knocking down barriers to free trade
    in all areas, including agriculture. And once again, I call on the U.S.
    Congress to take decisive action, send a clear signal that America
    stands for free trade by extending Fast Track procedures.
        Trade is just one dimension of our relationship. Last year, our two
    nations marked the 30th anniversary of our Mutual Security Treaty. Our
    commitment to common defense has never been stronger, and yet here, too,
    our longstanding alliance continues to adjust to new challenges and new
    realities. Just this January, in keeping with its growing economic
    might, Japan agreed to increase its share of the costs as host nation to
    American forces.
        Let me be clear: The United States welcomes the broadest possible
    participation by Japan in world affairs. In the past year, we've seen a
    significant easing of tensions in Europe. I call on Japan to join with
    us in seeking solutions to regional conflicts that threaten stability in
    the Pacific. And I thank Japan as a key member of the coalition that
    triumphed over the forces of aggression in the Persian Gulf. For the
    first time, Japan contributed to a multinational peacekeeping effort,
    and it is providing a substantial level of financial support for
    Operation Desert Storm.
        I welcome the visit of Prime Minister Kaifu. We must do all we can
    to build public support for our relationship and to promote contacts of
    every kind between the American and Japanese people. Just this last
    year, Japan's distinguished former Foreign Minister Abe announced the
    creation of a new foundation to promote exchanges that bring together
    academics and artists, that encourage tourism and travel.
        For more than 40 years, Japan and the United States have been
    partners--partners in democracy, partners in prosperity, partners in
    peace. I am convinced that our meeting today proves that this
    partnership remains strong, that together we will constitute a source of
    stability, now and into the next century.

                        Note: The statement referred to Prime Minister
                            Toshiki Kaifu and former Foreign Minister
                            Shintaro Abe of Japan.