Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hopes to meet US President-elect Donald Trump in the US this month, Reuters reported, citing government officials.
The US is Japan’s most important economic and security partner, while Tokyo is Washington’s key ally in Asia, providing bases that allow the US military to maintain a large presence on China’s doorstep.
Ishiba told reporters today that he had a five-minute phone conversation with Trump yesterday and that the two agreed to meet as soon as possible.
“I felt that he was very friendly. So I got the impression that from now on we will be able to talk frankly,” he said.
The Japanese side hopes Ishiba will talk to Trump around the time of the G20 summit in Brazil on November 18 and 19.
Ishiba wants to follow the lead of Abe, the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since his election in 2016. Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, held the hastily arranged meeting at Trump Tower just over a week after the US election. recalls Reuters.
Ahead of Tuesday’s election, Japanese government officials stepped up efforts to mend relations with people close to Trump, fearing he could hit Japan again with protectionist trade measures such as steel tariffs and renew demands for Tokyo to pays more for the costs of deploying American forces in the country when he returns to the White House, writes BTA.
Trump has said the decade-old bilateral security treaty is unfair because it obligates the United States to defend Japan but does not impose similar obligations on Tokyo, according to Reuters.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Japan-US Relations Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome to our segment where we dive deep into global affairs. Today, we’re delighted to have Dr. Yuki Tanaka, an expert in Japan-US relations. Dr. Tanaka, welcome!
Dr. Yuki Tanaka (YT): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
TNE: Let’s jump right into it. We’ve recently seen reports that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is hoping to meet with President-elect Donald Trump this month. Why is this meeting significant for Japan?
YT: The anticipated meeting between Ishiba and Trump is vital for several reasons. Firstly, the US is Japan’s most important economic and security partner. This relationship underpins not just Japan’s national security but also its economic stability through trade and investment.
TNE: Absolutely. And what specific issues do you think they will be discussing during this meeting?
YT: There are a few key topics on the table. Trade will certainly be high on the agenda; Japan is keen on maintaining favorable trade relations as there are concerns about potential tariffs. Additionally, security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly concerning North Korea, is vital. The dynamics of countering China’s growing influence will also likely come into play.
TNE: That’s interesting. It seems that the alliance has been tested over various administration changes. How do you see Ishiba’s approach differ from previous leaders?
YT: Ishiba is known for his pragmatic approach. Unlike some of his predecessors, he may emphasize a more cooperative stance and be proactive in aligning Japan’s policies with US interests while ensuring it doesn’t seem overly subservient. This balancing act is crucial, especially in light of the recent tensions surrounding security and economic issues.
TNE: It truly is a delicate balance. What impact do you think this meeting will have on the public perception of US-Japan relations?
YT: Public perception depends heavily on the outcomes of such meetings. If Ishiba can secure commitments or at least show progress on key issues, it could bolster public confidence in the alliance. However, if the meeting appears unproductive or leads to discord, it may fuel skepticism about the reliability of the US as an ally.
TNE: That’s a fascinating point. As you mentioned, providing military bases that support US operations is a crucial aspect. How do you think that plays into domestic Japanese politics?
YT: The presence of US military bases in Japan is often a contentious issue. Some see them as necessary for national security, while others argue they infringe on Japan’s sovereignty and can lead to conflicts. Ishiba’s government will need to tread carefully to address the concerns of local communities, particularly in Okinawa, while still supporting the US alliance.
TNE: Definitely a complex situation. Looking forward, what changes do you predict in the Japan-US relationship after this meeting?
YT: I believe we might see a renewed focus on economic partnerships and possibly a firmer commitment to regional security. However, it will largely depend on how both leaders navigate their agendas and pressures from their respective constituencies. Maintaining a strong alliance is critical, but both sides must also be willing to engage in constructive dialogue about their priorities.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for your insights! It’s clear that the outcome of this meeting could set the tone for future relations.
YT: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to watching how this develops!
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Stay informed with Time.News for more updates on international relations and global events.