Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Takaichi, Trump Pledge ‘New Golden Age’ in Japan–US Relations

Source :AFP

Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, and US President Donald Trump have reaffirmed a strong alliance between their nations, vowing to usher in what they described as a “new golden age” of Japan–US relations.

During Trump’s state visit to Tokyo on Tuesday, Takaichi , Japan’s first female prime minister hailed the United States as Japan’s most strategic partner, emphasizing cooperation in security and trade. The two leaders signed a new agreement on critical minerals and rare earth supply chain resilience, aimed at countering China’s tightening control of the sector.

Trump, who is currently on an Asia tour seeking a broader trade framework with Beijing, praised Takaichi as “one of the greatest prime ministers” and thanked Japan for its renewed commitment to regional stability.

Takaichi also commended Trump for his role in brokering ceasefire efforts between Thailand and Cambodia and his “historic contribution” to peace in Gaza. She declared her intention to nominate the US leader for a Nobel Peace Prize, calling him a “friend of Japan and a champion of diplomacy.”

Trump, who is currently on an Asia tour seeking a broader trade framework with Beijing, praised Takaichi as “one of the greatest prime ministers” and thanked Japan for its renewed commitment to regional stability.

Takaichi also commended Trump for his role in brokering ceasefire efforts between Thailand and Cambodia and his “historic contribution” to peace in Gaza. She declared her intention to nominate the US leader for a Nobel Peace Prize, calling him a “friend of Japan and a champion of diplomacy.”

Following their bilateral talks at the Akasaka State Guest House, Trump met with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. He assured them that the United States “stands firmly with Japan” in pursuing answers and justice.

The visit came as Japan accelerates its defense spending to 2% of GDP, two years ahead of schedule, in response to growing tensions with China. The United States, which maintains about 60,000 military personnel in Japan, has urged Tokyo to increase its contribution further.

Meanwhile, trade remains high on Trump’s agenda, with Washington and Tokyo seeking to cushion the impact of tariffs that have affected Japan’s automobile exports. Under an earlier deal, Japan is expected to invest $550 billion in the United States to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week in Seoul for high-stakes talks aimed at easing the ongoing trade rift between the world’s two largest economies.