Trump arrives in Japan with his Asia policy in tatters, to Abe's benefit | Analysis by jgriffiths
Hong Kong Shinzo Abe's long game is paying off. Only a year ago, the Japanese Prime Minister was looking like the odd one out as US President Donald Trump cozied up to China's Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Now, as Trump arrives in Japan for a three-day visit, Abe can justifiably say"I told you so." Traits that last year left him out of step with Washington -- his hawkishness on North Korea and a testy relationship with Beijing -- now look more attractive, with Trump facing renewed challenges from Pyongyang and seeking a counterbalance to China amid a rapidly worsening trade war. One-sided bromanceFor most of Trump's first term, Abe has seemed like the friend who comes on too strong.
Trump, Abe feed koi fish in Japan 00:45Important tripWith the twin pillars of Trump's Asia policy wobbling and threatening to fall, the timing of his Japan trip couldn't be better for Abe.An expected trade deal with China dramatically fell apart this month as Beijing appeared to push its luck with Trump, sparking an angry response and billions of dollars in extra tariffs.
Trump: US has massive trade deficit with Japan 02:18Military movesTrump may also need Japan's support on security issues -- and not just with North Korea. Under President Moon, who more than anyone else has driven rapprochement with North Korea, Seoul is ill-placed to turn back to a position of maximum pressure if talks completely collapse. It is more likely to continue pursuing engagement in defiance of Washington, making Japan the more important ally in the region.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First on CNN: Another top Trump aide to exit as legislative activity dries upPresident Donald Trump's point person on Capitol Hill, Shahira Knight, is leaving her post as multiple aides in the White House legislative affairs office and beyond eye the exits heading into a campaign season that will likely freeze legislative activity on both sides of the aisle.
Read more »
Japan woos Trump with pomp and circumstance, looks to avoid trade battleJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will treat U.S. President Donald Trump to an imperial banquet, front row seats at a sumo tournament and a trip to the country’s biggest warship on a state visit as Tokyo seeks to avoid a bust-up over trade
Read more »
The Trump campaign doesn't want this pro-Trump super PAC's helpThe Trump campaign is continuing its unprecedented fight to ensure the president's deep-pocketed supporters know that there’s only one approved pro-Trump PAC in 2020.
Read more »
Trump brands Rep. Justin Amash a 'loser' after GOP congressman said Trump engaged in 'Impeachable' conductOn Saturday, Amash became the first Republican member of Congress to publicly argue that Trump engaged in impeachable conduct while in the Oval Office.
Read more »
Pro-Trump group shifts focus after Trump campaign rebukeDonald Trump's reelection campaign is ramping up its criticism of outside political groups that purport to raise money on the President's behalf, prompting one super PAC to shift its focus to helping down-ballot Republicans
Read more »
The Truth Behind Trump Tower Moscow: How Trump Risked Everything For A (Relatively) Tiny DealCandidate Trump jeopardized his eventual presidency on a middling deal — and one that would have had Vladimir Putin's fingerprints all over it.
Read more »
The Truth Behind Trump Tower Moscow: How Trump Risked Everything For A (Relatively) Tiny DealCandidate Trump jeopardized his eventual presidency on a middling deal — and one that would have had Vladimir Putin's fingerprints all over it.
Read more »
The Truth Behind Trump Tower Moscow: How Trump Risked Everything For A (Relatively) Tiny DealCandidate Trump jeopardized his eventual presidency on a middling deal — and one that would have had Vladimir Putin's fingerprints all over it.
Read more »
The Truth Behind Trump Tower Moscow: How Trump Risked Everything For A (Relatively) Tiny DealCandidate Trump jeopardized his eventual presidency on a middling deal — and one that would have had Vladimir Putin's fingerprints all over it.
Read more »
The Truth Behind Trump Tower Moscow: How Trump Risked Everything For A (Relatively) Tiny DealWith Donald Trump on one end and Vladimir Putin on the other, the web of people involved in Trump's plans for Moscow included members of the First Family, oligarchs and Russian officials
Read more »
The Truth Behind Trump Tower Moscow: How Trump Risked Everything For A (Relatively) Tiny Deal3 years ago, Michael Cohen was working on a potential Trump tower in Moscow. Today he is in prison for crimes that include lying to Congress about the project. Here's how President Trump risked everything for the relatively tiny deal:
Read more »