U.S. and Japan, partners in progress

Together the U.S. and Japan generate more than a third of global economic output. Alexander A. Arvizu, deputy assistant Secretary of State discussed U.S.-Japan relations before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Chairman Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (D-Amer. Samoa) commended Japan on the strong support it has given the U.S. in the war on Iraq.

Arvizu commented on the divided Japanese government and felt it affected the speed of government decision making. Faleomavaega pointed out that the U.S. too has a divided government where most of the Senate is Democratic but the president in a Republican. He said it was a sign of maturity that country leaders are encouraged to debate and listen to different points of view. More than 48,000 American military personnel are deployed in Japan. Arvizu said the first American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington set to deploy to Japan will strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance.

Japan’s import restrictions on beef was a sore point raised during the session. Japan does not allow cows older than 20 months old to be imported. Faleomavaega asked if this was fair and Arvizu conceded that it was not. Arvizu said that it is an issue continually brought up at meetings between the U.S. and Japan despite the fact that U.S. beef falls within the “controlled risk” category. Prior to these standard restrictions, Japan was America’s biggest beef export.