Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is travelling Wednesday to the United States for what she expects to be a “very difficult” meeting with US President Donald Trump after he called on Japan and other allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The three-day visit to Washington was originally expected to focus on trade and strengthening the US-Japanese alliance as China’s influence grows in Asia. It is now expected to be overshadowed by the war the United States and Israel launched against Iran on Feb. 28.
”I think the US visit will be a very difficult one, but I will do everything to maximise our national interest and to protect the daily lives of the people when the situation changes daily,” Takaichi told parliament on Wednesday, hours before her departure.
Takaichi held her first meeting with Trump in October in Tokyo, days after becoming Japan’s first female prime minister. A hard-line conservative, Takaichi is a protege of former leader Shinzo Abe, who developed a close friendship with Trump.
Her initial plan was to focus largely on China and strengthen the Japan-US alliance ahead of Trump ‘s highly anticipated diplomatic trip to China that had been planned for months. The White House announced Tuesday that it is being delayed due to the war in the Middle East.
Takaichi will be in the hot seat figuring out what best to offer to Trump. Experts say showing commitment and progress in investment deals is key to a successful summit.
Japanese officials say the two sides will work to deepen co-operation in regional security, critical minerals, energy and dealing with China.
