President Trump on Monday encouraged Japan to purchase United States military equipment, noting Japan will have the ability to defend itself against North Korea’s aggression.
“He will shoot them out of the sky when he completes the purchase of a lot of military equipment from the United States,” the president said, referring to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Trump also said Japan’s purchase of additional military equipment would help the United States with jobs, according to The Wall Street Journal, which added that Abe said he thinks Japan will buy more equipment.
{mosads}Trump made the comments at a press conference in Tokyo with Abe.
Pyongyang in September launched a ballistic missile over Japan after conducting a nuclear test earlier that month.
Abe on Monday said Japan is prepared to shoot down missiles “if it is necessary.”
“Missile defense is something based on cooperation between Japan and the U.S.,” said Abe, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Trump is currently in Japan as part of his five-nation tour of Asia.