Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to meet with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen the bilateral relationship between their countries. The meeting comes at a critical time, as both leaders seek to address long-standing concerns and build trust.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to meet with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen the bilateral relationship between their countries. The meeting comes at a critical time, as both leaders seek to address long-standing concerns and build trust.
The U.S.-Japan alliance has been a cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy for decades. However, President Trump has often expressed frustration with what he perceives as unfair trade practices and defense spending by its allies. In 1987, ‘I want our country to be great again.’ Trump took out a full-page advertisement in three top U.S. newspapers, criticizing Japan and other wealthy nations for taking advantage of the U.S.
Formed in 1951, the US-Japan Security Treaty has been a cornerstone of regional stability.
Initially designed to counter the Soviet Union's influence, the alliance has adapted to address emerging threats.
Today, it encompasses defense cooperation, economic ties, and cultural exchange.
Key milestones include the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, which legitimized the alliance in Japan, and the 1997 Guidelines for US-Japan Defense Cooperation.
The alliance has also been instrumental in maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula.
A History of Tensions
The U.S.-Japan alliance has been a cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy for decades. However, President Trump has often expressed frustration with what he perceives as unfair trade practices and defense spending by its allies. In 1987, ‘I want our country to be great again.’ Trump took out a full-page advertisement in three top U.S. newspapers, criticizing Japan and other wealthy nations for taking advantage of the U.S.
Addressing Trade Concerns
Ishiba is expected to address these concerns by offering to buy more U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) and highlighting Japan’s role as the largest direct foreign investor in the U.S. for the past five years. However, President Biden‘s rejection of Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel on national security grounds may have dampened Japanese enthusiasm for investing in the U.S.
Defense Spending
Japan has committed to doubling its defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, a move that Trump has long advocated for. However, experts believe that ‘I want our country to be great again.’ Trump will likely demand even more from Japan, potentially pushing the country’s defense budget to 3% or higher.
A Personal Connection
Developing a personal rapport with President Trump is also crucial for Shigeru Ishiba. His predecessor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, successfully cultivated ties with Trump through golf games and other social events. ‘having the Japan-U.S. relationship as equal as possible will enhance the sustainability of the alliance.’ Ishiba has called for a more equal alliance with the U.S.
Shigeru Ishiba is a renowned Japanese politician who has served as the Defense Minister of Japan.
Born on February 3, 1957, in Tokyo, Japan, he is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Ishiba graduated from Waseda University and later earned his master's degree in economics from the same institution.
He was appointed as the Defense Minister in 2012 and has played a crucial role in strengthening Japan's defense capabilities.
Unstated Fears
While publicly, Japanese officials emphasize the importance of the alliance, privately, they harbor concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to it. Experts believe that a shift in the U.S.’s security paradigm could leave Japan vulnerable to China‘s growing military might.
A New Paradigm?
Some experts, like Yoshihide Soeya, professor emeritus at Keio University, envision a new security paradigm that includes a robust middle power network among regional countries. This would allow Japan and its allies to maintain their influence in the region without relying solely on U.S. support.
Yoshihide Suga is a Japanese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Japan from September 2020 to October 2021.
Born on June 29, 1945, in Osaka Prefecture, he graduated from the University of Tokyo and began his career in politics in the 1980s.
Suga rose through the ranks of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and became known for his conservative policies.
He was appointed Chief Cabinet Secretary in 2012 and played a crucial role in implementing the Abe administration's policies.
The meeting between Ishiba and Trump is a critical opportunity for both leaders to address their differences and build trust. As the world watches, one thing is clear: the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance will be shaped by the decisions made in this crucial encounter.
