The governments of Japan and the United States are preparing to sign a memorandum of cooperation focused on seven key areas of science and technology during President Donald Trump”s upcoming visit to Japan. This agreement aims to bolster strategic collaboration in cutting-edge technologies amidst growing competition with China for technological leadership.
As part of this initiative, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Trump are set to engage in summit discussions on Tuesday, with the memorandum likely to be formalized in Tokyo on the same day. The signing will involve Kimi Onoda, Japan”s minister for economic security and science and technology policy, alongside Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The draft of the memorandum outlines a commitment to foster cooperation that could “usher in the next golden age of innovation,” which is essential for maintaining freedom and prosperity for future generations. It highlights the necessity of strengthening ties in science and technology with strategic partners across the Indo-Pacific region to ensure regional stability.
The seven fields covered by the memorandum include the adoption and innovation of artificial intelligence, research security, advanced communication standards beyond 5G and 6G, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, quantum technology, nuclear fusion, and space exploration. Among these areas, there is a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, an industry where China is heavily investing to enhance both technological innovation and military capabilities.
The memorandum also emphasizes a collaborative approach to accelerate the application of AI in various industries and societal sectors, with significant contributions expected from AI research institutions in both countries, such as the Riken research institute in Japan and the National Science Foundation in the U.S. Additionally, the agreement seeks to address cooperation in high-tech semiconductors, which are crucial for AI development.
Through this memorandum, the Japan-U.S. alliance aims to strengthen the interoperability of their respective AI technologies and facilitate the export of AI infrastructure and hardware, particularly with a view towards countering China”s efforts to disseminate its AI technology to emerging markets. This strategy underscores the commitment of both nations to take a leading role in the proliferation of AI technologies globally.
