At present, there is uncertainties about US-Japan relations. Although Donald Trump says he will impose taxe, corporate executives wait for friendly policies.

For over five decades now the US-Japan security alliance is a pillar of American geo-political strategy in East Asia. Following World War II the US pledged to defend Japan in case of any attack in exchange for American military bases on the archipelago. Japan was set to remain an anchor of Uncle Sam’s power in the Pacific region with a US “pivot” to Asia announced by the Obama administration, but with unpredictable President-elect Donald Trump due to take over the White House there is uncertainty about what the future may hold for this special partnership.

At present, US-Japan security ties appear stronger than ever. Last week the US Military returned to Japan over 4,000 hectares of land it long occupied in Okinawa and in June the two allies participated in an annual large-scale naval exercise, alongside India, to enhance military capabilities and coordination. At an event in Hawaii this week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack President Barack Obama noted how “the most bitter of adversaries can become the strongest of allies,” while Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said afterwards “we are allies that will tackle together to an even greater degree than ever before the many challenges covering the globe.”

However, Trump will now oversee this strategic alliance that has survived the Cold War and other tumultuous world events. Statements made by the American businessman-turned-president throughout 2016 likely caused observers of US-Japan relations to worry about the future. Trump blasted Japan over an imbalance in economic trade with the US and also proposed to withdraw American troops and encourage Tokyo to acquire nuclear weapons for self-defense.

Economy friendly?

On the other hand, the American president-elect has welcomed and claimed credit for a $50B investment in US industry recently announced by a top Japanese firm and also acknowledged Japan’s overall importance in Asia and the world. Corporate executives in Japan have said they expect business and economy-friendly policies under the next administration in Washington, but during his campaign Trump threatened tariffs on certain foreign imports and vowed to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, of which Japan is a leading nation.

Importantly, no one is quite sure yet if experts at the US State Department will help guide President Trump’s policies towards Japan or if he will decide to chart his own course. Some communication already exists between Trump and Japanese leaders as just a week after his election victory he met with PM Abe, who called him a “trustworthy leader.” Also, incoming US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn reportedly visited Japan in October to meet with Japanese lawmakers.

In spite of all the uncertainty there may be more opportunities than ever for Japan to increase its involvement on the world stage and deepen its partnership with the US. A historic policy shift in Japan in 2014 enables the country to aid friendly nations under attack instead of only maintaining security for self-defense. Trump could use Japanese help to alleviate America’s international security burdens by participating in more overseas humanitarian or military missions and also continuing to act as a balance against common adversaries in the East Asia region.

America’s traditional allies are unsure what to expect from the Trump administration in the years ahead and Japan is no exception. However, it seems certain that for the US to strategically rebalance towards Asia it is necessary for Japan to remain a strong and prosperous ally of Uncle Sam. As the impending New Year unfolds we will see if the long-standing US-Japan partnership is downgraded in favor of new isolationist and protectionist policies intended to Make America Great Again.