[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.