TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump begins one of his busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday, meeting with the new Japanese prime minister, speaking to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier and mingling with business leaders.
Although Trump is visiting one of America’s most steadfast allies in Asia, there’s no shortage of uncertainty. Sanae Takaichi, who became the country’s first female prime minister only days ago, must solidify her relationship with Trump while defending her country's economic interests. Trump aims to secure $550 billion in Japanese investment through a trade deal that would reduce U.S. tariffs.
Takaichi is prepared for a charm offensive, including a potential purchase of Ford F-150 trucks, as Trump has frequently criticized Japan for not buying American vehicles that often are too wide for narrow Japanese streets.
Although Trump has centered his foreign policy toward Asia around tariffs and trade, his speech aboard the USS George Washington at an American naval base near Tokyo underscores a broader agenda.
Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday, meeting with the emperor in a ceremonial visit. He previously engaged in the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The trip also provided Trump the platform to celebrate an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, as he pressured the nations to stop skirmishing by threatening trade agreements.
Tensions between the U.S. and China appear to be easing ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, expected to take place in South Korea, with reports suggesting that a trade deal is coming together.
Trump is scheduled to leave Wednesday for South Korea, which will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Megerian reported from Seoul.
