In November 2017, when President Trump visited Japan, Prime Minister Abe and President Trump agreed to work together to promote peace and prosperity in the region by developing the Indo-Pacific as free and open. In addition, particularly after President Trump gave a speech at the APEC CEO Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam, on November 10th, a “free and open Indo-Pacific” has moved squarely into the spotlight and has become a priority for policy makers of the United States and Japan. The two countries are about to initiate the process of elaborating this concept, and much work lies ahead, including how to coordinate their focus and approach, how to divide their roles, and how to conduct outreach to allies and partners.

In a conversation with Mr. Barry Pavel, Mr. Kentaro Sonoura provides an overview of Japan’s vision, and how Japan and the United States can collaborate to promote and secure a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

FEATURING

Mr. Kentaro Sonoura
Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan (National Security)

Mr. Frederick Kempe
President and Chief Executive Officer
Atlantic Council

Mr. Barry Pavel (moderator)
Senior Vice President and Director
Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
Atlantic Council

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