The U.S. and Japan recently renewed their shared commitment to open, interoperable, reliable, and secure digital connectivity and information and communication technologies (ICT) to support growth of the digital economy. The 13th meeting of the U.S.-Japan Policy Cooperation Dialogue on the Internet Economy was hosted by the United States on March 6-7. Government and private sector representatives from both countries covered a series of topics that have a bearing on the development of digital economies in the two countries and around the world.
The U.S. State Department reported on the proceedings. 5G was a key discussion point. Both countries recognize the importance of promoting the development and deployment of 5G networks in both advanced and emerging economies. The two countries concurred on continued cooperation with other countries to develop secure 5G and foster environments for Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) and virtual RAN innovation. They also recognized the importance of enhancing cooperation on next-generation (6G or Beyond 5G) network technologies toward the goal of realizing more secure, resilient, and energy-efficient wireless networks in the 2030s.
Both countries acknowledged the importance of trust and rule of law as principles contributing to reliable and secure information and ICT supply chains, and more inclusive and equitable digital connectivity. Emphasis was placed on strengthening cybersecurity and protecting privacy, intellectual property rights, digital freedom, and human rights. Another important topic covered security and reliability of global submarine cable networks and continuing development and deployment of relevant information exchanges.
Other topics included:
- Committing to using the Global Digital Connectivity Partnership to prioritize joint engagements with countries that share a similar digital economy outlook.
- Continuing collaboration with members of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum.
- Building consensus on operationalizing “Data Free Flow with Trust” and on enabling cross-border data flows.
- Exploring opportunities to further advance joint shared goals at the International Telecommunication Union.
Going forward, the conference will be renamed as the “U.S.-Japan Dialogue on Digital Economy” to reflect the increasing digitalization of societies and its importance as a foundation to support economic development and growth. During 2023, the two countries agreed to conduct workshops in collaboration with each other and other countries to focus on ICT or digital policy topics such as 5G/Open RAN, submarine cables, satellites, data centers, AI governance, cybersecurity capacity building, digital freedom and more.
At this year’s conference, the U.S. delegation was led by Nathaniel Fick, U.S. Department of State’s Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. His counterpart, Vice Minister Yoshida Hiroshi, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, led the Japanese delegation.
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