President Donald Trump has arrived in Tokyo for a series of high-profile meetings with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female leader, ahead of a critical summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. These discussions come as both nations seek to address recent trade tensions and solidify their strategic partnership. During his visit, Trump is expected to emphasize the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, particularly in the context of growing geopolitical pressures with China. The meeting with Emperor Naruhito, a symbolic leader of Japan, is seen as a gesture of respect and to reinforce the deep historical ties between the two countries.
On Tuesday, Trump will meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who leads a right-wing coalition and has taken office after a surge of populism akin to the MAGA movement in the U.S. Both leaders are expected to bond over their shared admiration for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022. Trump expressed his confidence in Takaichi’s leadership, stating, ‘I think she’s going to be great.’ However, Taka, as she is known to her supporters, faces pressure to increase Japan’s defense spending to meet the NATO target of 5%, a request that could strain Japan’s already high levels of public debt.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and China have made progress on a potential trade deal during the ASEAN Summit, which may help avert the threat of a 100% tariff on Chinese goods. This is a significant development as China’s recent crackdown on critical mineral exports had triggered fears of a trade war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that the talks have reduced the need for such tariffs, and China is likely to delay some of its restrictions on rare earth minerals and magnets. Trump is expected to sign off on the agreement during his summit with Xi, which is set to take place in the coming days.
Adding to the complexities of the meetings, Takaichi’s government is also grappling with the challenges of Japan’s reliance on U.S. military presence. Around 60,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Japan, the largest U.S. military presence outside the Americas. Takaichi has expressed concerns about Japan’s dependence on the U.S., but she has also signaled her intention to work closely with Trump. Trump’s suggestion that Japan should pay for U.S. troops has raised eyebrows among Japanese officials, as this could lead to increased financial burdens on the Japanese government.
Despite these challenges, both the U.S. and Japan are expected to use the meetings to reaffirm what Trump has called ‘the most important partnership in Asia,’ setting the stage for his critical summit with Xi Jinping. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for the broader U.S.-China trade relationship and the geopolitical balance in the Pacific region. As both leaders prepare to discuss the future of their economic and strategic cooperation, the world watches closely for developments that may reshape global trade dynamics.