President Trump Showed Strong Support for Japan on Asia Trip
Tokyo, Japan – President Donald Trump started a busy day in Asia by meeting with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. He also planned to speak to American troops and meet with business leaders.
Despite Japan being a strong ally, there were some questions about the visit. Prime Minister Takaichi, recently appointed, needed to build a strong relationship with President Trump while protecting her country’s economy. President Trump aimed to secure $550 billion in Japanese investment as part of a trade deal that benefits both nations.
During their meeting, President Trump complimented Prime Minister Takaichi’s strong handshake. She mentioned watching the U.S. World Series and announced Japan would donate 250 cherry trees to the U.S. for its 250th anniversary, along with fireworks for the Fourth of July.
Prime Minister Takaichi spoke of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had a good relationship with President Trump. She said Abe often talked about Trump’s effective leadership.
President Trump praised Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister, highlighting America’s dedication to Japan. He offered his support, saying the U.S. would always be there for Japan as a strong ally.
Prime Minister Takaichi made a gesture of goodwill, considering buying Ford F-150 trucks. Reporters saw a gold Ford F-150 and American-made Toyota vehicles outside the Akasaka Palace, where foreign leaders stay.
President Trump has mentioned that Japan doesn’t buy many American cars, often because they are too big for Japanese roads.
The Japanese delegation served American beef and rice at a working lunch, blending it with Japanese ingredients. The leaders discussed ways to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Takaichi also gifted Trump a putter used by former Prime Minister Abe and a golf bag signed by golfer Hideki Matsuyama. They signed “Japan is Back” baseball caps, similar to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” caps.
Both leaders signed an agreement for a “golden age” of their alliance. It confirmed a plan for the U.S. to tax Japanese goods at 15% and for Japan to invest $550 billion in the U.S.
They also signed an agreement for the U.S. and Japan to work together to secure important minerals. Some of the investment may go towards developing rare earth elements needed for advanced technology.
The White House press secretary stated that Takaichi would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The leaders also met with people whose family members were taken by North Korea.
President Trump also addressed troops on the USS George Washington, a ship at a naval base near Tokyo.
President Trump began his Asia trip in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.
At the summit, President Trump celebrated an agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, who had border issues. He had encouraged them to stop fighting by suggesting he might withhold trade agreements if conflict persisted.
There were signs that the U.S. and China were improving relations before a planned meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. Negotiators from both countries said a trade deal was close, which could prevent problems between the world’s two biggest economies.
While details were limited, it was unclear if any agreement would fix long-term issues. China had changed how it exports rare earth elements, important for technology manufacturing, and President Trump had threatened tariffs.
President Trump was scheduled to leave for South Korea on Wednesday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
