US-Japan Partnership Enters ‘New Golden Age’ Amid Regional Tensions

Analysts say the deepening U.S.–Japan partnership marks a coordinated effort to counter Beijing’s expanding economic and military footprint.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hold up signed documents for a critical minerals/rare earth deal during a meeting at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, on Oct. 28, 2025. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Japan from Oct. 27 to 29, during which new rare-earth deals and expanded investments were announced to mark what both leaders called a “new golden age” of the U.S.–Japan alliance.

While the visit drew scrutiny from China’s Foreign Ministry, analysts say the summit reaffirmed Washington’s strategic focus on containing Beijing’s influence across the Indo-Pacific.

Renewed Alliance

On Oct. 28 in Tokyo, Trump met with Takaichi at the Akasaka Palace before the two boarded the Marine One presidential helicopter for the Yokosuka Naval Base, where they toured the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.