; (6) the Government of Japan has been instrumental improving cooperation between the United States, Japan, Australia, and India as well as improving relations with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; (7) the Government of Japan has been a strong supporter of United States efforts to achieve the complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea, and has played a leading role in enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution sanctions against North Korea; (8) the Government of Japan has taken significant steps to enhance military capabilities for its own defense while increasing its contributions to collective security, including through passage of legislation concerning collective self-defense, the publication of the National Defense Program Guidelines and the Mid-Term Defense Program, and record investments in advanced defense capabilities in the maritime, air, space, and cyber domains; (9) while it should continue to increase its defense spending in order to make a greater contribution to allied defense capabilities, the Government of Japan has made among the most significant burden sharing contributions of any United States ally, including through direct cost sharing, paying for the realignment of United States forces currently stationed in Okinawa, community support, and other alliance-related expenditures; (10) upcoming negotiations concerning a new Special Measures Agreement between the United States and Japan should be conducted in a spirit consistent with prior negotiations on the basis of common interest and mutual respect