Japanese leader seeks quick meeting with Trump after short phone chat
Japanese Prime-Minister wants to meet Trump following their brief phone conversation. The meeting might happen after upcoming G20 summit in Brazil‚ as Japan tries to build strong ties with possible future US president
Shigeru Ishiba‚ Japanʼs prime-minister had a quick five-minute chat with Donald Trump on thursday morning (tokyo time) and they both agreed to meet soon; the talk was very open-minded according to Ishiba
The US-Japan partnership is super-important for both sides: Japan gives military-bases to US while America helps protect Japanese interests in Asia. The meeting might happen right after nov 18 G20 summit in Brazil‚ sources say - this info comes from three well-informed people who cant share their names
About 8 years ago Shinzo Abe (who passed away 2 years ago) made a smart move by being first foreign leader to visit Trump after his win. They became good friends and spent lots of time playing golf which helped solve many US-Japan issues: this is what Ishiba wants to copy
Some experts think its not gonna be easy for current Japanese leader:
- Trump doesnt like current security deal that makes US protect Japan
- He might want Japan to pay more for keeping US troops there
- Ishibaʼs government isnt as stable as Abes was
I felt that he was very friendly So from now on I have the impression that we can talk frankly
When asked about military costs Ishiba said they didnt talk about money stuff yet - instead he wants to look at many different ways to make Japan-US friendship stronger
