In Tokyo: Trump Confirms 'Highest Level' Partnership, Takayishi Praises 'Historic Middle East Achievement'

US President Donald Trump affirmed to the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takayishi, in Tokyo on Tuesday that the United States is an ally of the archipelago "at the highest level." This statement comes as his administration urges Japan to increase its defense spending.

Bilateral Relations and Key Issues

• Confirmation of Partnership: During his meeting with Takayishi, Trump stated: "I have always had a great love and deep respect for Japan. I want to assure you that this will be a very special relationship. We are an ally at the highest level."

• Takayishi's Praise: Takayishi, in turn, praised Trump's commitment to global peace and stability and described the "Middle East Agreement" as an "unprecedented historical achievement."

• New Golden Era: The Japanese Prime Minister, who became the first woman to hold the post days earlier, affirmed her desire for a "new golden era" for US-Japan relations, especially given the rising military power of neighboring China.

Economic Efforts and Trade Deals

• Critical Minerals and Rare Earths: The White House announced that Washington and Tokyo plan to use economic policy tools and coordinated investments to achieve rapid development of "diverse, resilient, and equitable markets for critical minerals and rare earth elements."

• Joint Projects: Over the next six months, Tokyo and Washington intend to take action to support projects aimed at producing and delivering final products to buyers in both countries and like-minded nations.

• The Truck Deal: Trump is seeking to secure $550 billion in Japanese investments as part of a trade deal aimed at lowering US tariffs. As part of a friendly diplomatic gesture, Takayishi is preparing to purchase US "Ford F-150" trucks; a gold-colored model was spotted in front of the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo.

  • Background: Trump is known for his repeated criticism of Japan for not buying US cars, which are often too wide for Japan's narrow streets.

Trump's Other Activities

Trump visited Tokyo after participating in the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is also scheduled to deliver a speech in Japan aboard the US aircraft carrier "USS George Washington," docked near Tokyo, even though his foreign policy focus in Asia is centered on tariffs and trade.