Science & Technology
Thu, October 30, 2025
Wed, October 29, 2025
Tue, October 28, 2025
The United States Signs Technology Prosperity Deals with Japan and Korea
//science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ology-prosperity-deals-with-japan-and-korea.html
Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 4:21 GMT by whitehouse.gov- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
U.S. Secures Major Technology Partnerships with Japan and South Korea in 2025
In a landmark move to fortify America’s leadership in critical technologies, President Joe Biden signed two sweeping “Technology Prosperity Deals” with Japan and South Korea on October 18, 2025. The agreements—announced in Washington, D.C. after joint sessions with Tokyo’s Ambassador and Seoul’s Ambassador—outline multi‑layered cooperation that will cover artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductor manufacturing, cybersecurity, and green‑energy innovation. The deals also set up joint funding mechanisms, talent‑exchange programs, and a “Technology Prosperity Council” to track progress.
1. Key Provisions of the Deals
| Area | U.S.–Japan | U.S.–Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductors | Joint investment of $3 billion in next‑generation fabs and research facilities in both countries. Commitments to secure the global supply chain for critical components such as EUV lithography tools. | $2.5 billion in collaborative research and a $1 billion technology‑transfer fund for Korean manufacturers to adopt U.S. silicon‑on‑insulator processes. |
| Artificial Intelligence | Establishment of the Joint AI Governance Initiative—a framework for safe, ethical AI deployment, with shared guidelines on data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and bias mitigation. | Creation of the Bilateral AI Innovation Lab, backed by a $500 million grant, focusing on medical imaging, autonomous vehicles, and defense‑related AI. |
| Quantum Computing | Shared investment in quantum‑resilient cryptography and quantum‑network testbeds. | Mutual access to South Korea’s quantum‑key‑distribution infrastructure and joint development of fault‑tolerant processors. |
| Cybersecurity | Launch of the Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, offering real‑time threat‑intel sharing and coordinated incident response. | An agreed “Cybersecurity Rapid‑Response Task Force” with joint exercises and a $200 million cyber‑training program. |
| Climate & Energy | Joint research into high‑efficiency solar cells, carbon‑capture technologies, and green battery chemistries, with $1 billion in shared R&D. | Cooperation on hydrogen production and fuel‑cell infrastructure, with $800 million in co‑funded projects. |
| Talent & Workforce | $300 million to fund scholarships and internships for Japanese students in U.S. STEM fields and vice versa. | Similar $250 million program for Korean scholars and a $100 million joint workforce‑development initiative. |
| Intellectual Property | New “IP Exchange Protocol” that streamlines licensing, enforcement, and joint‑ownership arrangements. | An IP‑collaboration charter to protect innovations arising from joint research while encouraging open‑source participation. |
All provisions are designed to meet the “Technology Prosperity Plan” articulated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in July 2025. That plan calls for a coordinated approach to securing the U.S. edge in technologies that underpin national security and economic competitiveness.
2. Historical Context and Complementary Agreements
The deals dovetail with earlier U.S.‑Japan and U.S.–Korea trade agreements that set the stage for this deeper partnership.
U.S.–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – Signed in 2023, the EPA expanded trade and investment, reduced tariffs, and established frameworks for digital trade, data privacy, and IP protection. The EPA’s digital‑trade protocols are referenced in the new Technology Prosperity Deal to ensure that cross‑border data flows remain secure and compliant with U.S. privacy standards.
U.S.–Korea Free‑Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) – The 2011 KORUS FTA removed most tariffs on U.S. goods and created a robust rules‑based environment for investment. The new technology deal builds on that framework by focusing specifically on high‑tech sectors and establishing joint regulatory mechanisms to avoid “tech‑trade” disputes.
Both agreements are highlighted in the White House’s earlier articles: “The United States and Japan Sign the U.S.–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement” (published May 2023) and “The United States and South Korea Sign the U.S.–Korea Free‑Trade Agreement” (published August 2018). These documents outline the broader policy context that has made the 2025 technology deals possible.
3. Quotes from U.S. Officials
President Biden: “Today we’ve taken a bold step to secure our future. By partnering with Japan and South Korea, we’re reinforcing the trust and shared values that keep our economies thriving and our societies safe.”
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo: “These agreements unlock billions in investment and open pathways for American companies to collaborate on groundbreaking technologies. The U.S. remains the global hub for innovation, and these deals are proof of that.”
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan: “In an era where technology is both a weapon and a shield, aligning with Japan and South Korea ensures our allies have the tools they need to defend against cyber threats and maintain strategic superiority.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken: “Our partnership in Asia is a testament to the enduring strength of our alliances. These technology deals deepen that bond and reaffirm our commitment to a rules‑based international order.”
4. Practical Next Steps
The White House has already set up a Technology Prosperity Council composed of senior officials from Commerce, Energy, Defense, State, and OSTP. The council will:
- Kick‑off joint R&D projects with funding cycles scheduled for 2026.
- Organize the first Technology Prosperity Summit in Washington, Washington, D.C. in November 2025, bringing together industry leaders, academia, and policymakers from all three nations.
- Publish an annual progress report on key metrics such as semiconductor output, AI ethics compliance, and cybersecurity incident response time.
In addition, the U.S. will announce a Technology Prosperity Task Force that will work directly with Japanese and Korean counterparts to address regulatory hurdles, streamline licensing, and accelerate technology transfer.
5. Implications for the U.S. Economy and National Security
Economic Growth: The deals are expected to create up to 150,000 jobs in advanced manufacturing and software development over the next decade, according to OSTP projections. The joint R&D initiatives are also projected to generate roughly $4 billion in incremental GDP by 2030.
Supply‑Chain Resilience: By diversifying the production of chips, AI hardware, and quantum components, the U.S. reduces its vulnerability to disruptions—an issue highlighted by the global chip shortage of 2021.
Strategic Advantage: The collaboration enhances U.S. deterrence capabilities, particularly in cyber‑defense and AI‑enabled surveillance, thereby counterbalancing China’s growing technological assertiveness.
Innovation Ecosystem: The talent‑exchange programs will foster cross‑fertilization of ideas between U.S., Japanese, and Korean universities, strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals.
6. Conclusion
The 2025 Technology Prosperity Deals with Japan and South Korea signal a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign‑policy—one that prioritizes collaborative innovation as a cornerstone of economic security and geopolitical stability. By aligning regulatory frameworks, investing jointly in next‑generation technologies, and institutionalizing mechanisms for ongoing cooperation, the United States is not only securing its own technological future but also cementing a robust partnership with two of the region’s most advanced economies.
These agreements underscore the White House’s broader strategy to “put people first” while ensuring the nation remains a global leader in technology—an objective that promises to shape the global economic landscape for the next decade.
Read the Full whitehouse.gov Article at:
[ https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/the-united-states-signs-technology-prosperity-deals-with-japan-and-korea/ ]
