Japanese Media: Ishiba Expected to Explain Defense Spending Increase to Trump
The first summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is scheduled to take place on February 7 in Washington D.C., according to reports by Asahi Shimbun and Kyodo News on the 30th.
The governments of both countries have been coordinating to hold the meeting in early to mid-February, and the date was confirmed for the first time on this day.
Asahi reported that during the summit, Prime Minister Ishiba is expected to emphasize strengthening U.S.-Japan leadership for realizing a "free and open Indo-Pacific," keeping China in mind. Japan plans to express its willingness to share responsibilities and play a certain role as an ally of the United States. President Trump is likely to explain plans for increasing employment by Japanese companies in the U.S. and raising defense spending relative to GDP, in preparation for possible demands for tariff hikes and increased defense costs.
Kyodo News anticipated that economic issues such as the strengthening of the U.S.-Japan alliance and Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel will be discussed at the meeting. Additionally, the two leaders are expected to discuss not only China but also North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile issues.
Prime Minister Ishiba is likely to emphasize that Japan is the largest investor in the U.S. and may present a comprehensive investment plan for the U.S. Furthermore, there is discussion in Japan about the need to expand imports of U.S.-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Earlier, at a symposium held in Tokyo, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed eagerness to realize the U.S.-Japan summit as soon as possible, emphasizing that they will "build a solid trust and cooperative relationship and elevate the U.S.-Japan alliance to a higher level."
However, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa, a spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated on the same day that no specific date for the meeting has been decided yet and that scheduling is being adjusted to fit both countries' timetables.
Prime Minister Ishiba attempted to meet with President Trump in the U.S. during his South America tour in November last year after Trump's election victory, but the Trump side conveyed that a meeting was difficult, so the meeting did not materialize.
However, in December last year, the atmosphere changed after Abe Akie, wife of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who maintained a close relationship with President Trump, visited the U.S. and met with SoftBank Chairman Son Jeong-ui. President Trump mentioned the possibility of an early meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, and voices within Japan called for holding the summit before President Trump's inauguration.
Prime Minister Ishiba judged that a formal summit after President Trump's inauguration could yield better results and thus coordinated the meeting timing for early to mid-February.
Accordingly, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi reportedly conducted preliminary arrangements for the summit by meeting with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Mike Rubio and others in Washington D.C. during the inauguration ceremony of President Trump held on the 20th of this month.
Meanwhile, on the 29th, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed deep sorrow regarding the collision accident between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near an airport in Washington D.C., stating, "I am deeply saddened by this shocking news," and "I sincerely offer my condolences to those affected."
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