Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made a critical visit to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen the US-Japan alliance in the face of China's growing influence and Trump's 'America First' policies.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba embarked on a crucial 24-hour visit to Washington, meeting with President Donald Trump for the first time since Trump's return to office. Ishiba's trip aims to solidify the longstanding U.S.-Japan alliance amidst evolving global dynamics and China 's increasing influence in the Pacific.
Before his departure, Ishiba strategized extensively, consulting with prominent figures like SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who had recently met with Trump at the White House. He also sought guidance from his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, and even reached out to the widow of Shinzo Abe, Trump's close ally during his first term. \Ishiba emphasized the importance of building a personal relationship of trust with Trump, acknowledging the challenge of replicating the rapport Trump shared with Abe. Nevertheless, Ishiba is prioritizing this connection, recognizing its significance for maintaining a strong U.S.-Japan partnership. As the second world leader to visit the White House during Trump's new term, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ishiba's visit underscores the priority Japan places on its relationship with the United States. \During his brief stay, Ishiba is expected to engage in a working lunch and a joint press conference with Trump, lasting over two hours. Key topics on the agenda include joint military exercises, Japanese investment in the U.S. economy, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, fostering space cooperation, and promoting joint ventures in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Trump is expected to highlight the trade deficit between the U.S. and Japan, a point of contention for him. Ishiba will likely reiterate the long-standing economic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing Japanese companies' significant contributions to the U.S. economy through employment and investment. The fate of Nippon Steel's $14.1 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, blocked by President Biden on national security grounds, is also expected to be discussed. Ishiba, while not specifically planning to raise the issue, is prepared to make a strong case for Nippon Steel if Trump brings it up. The leaders are also anticipated to address defense spending. Japan has pledged to increase its defense budget to 2% of GDP by 2027, aligning with NATO standards. While Japan is not a NATO member, it cooperates closely with the alliance. Ishiba may remind Trump of Japan's substantial support for the U.S. defense industry, hoping to alleviate any concerns regarding Japan's commitment to defense spending.
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