The Tokyo Nakano-shi Akasaka Memorial Park on October 28 became the focus of global attention, as Japan's first female prime minister, Takayuki Kishida, faced her most important diplomatic performance after taking office: a U.S.-Japan summit with Trump, who had returned to the White House. The meeting was defined as a key dialogue for the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance in the "post-Abenomics era." From achieving the defense budget target ahead of schedule, to the U.S.-Japan rare earth supply chain cooperation, and even Kishida's unexpected recommendation of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, the entire summit was filled with strategic layout, transactional artistry, and a strong personal emotional color. Below is a brief recap of the two's meeting.

Kishida's reception was successful, scratching Trump's itch

According to Kyodo News, the summit was originally scheduled to start after 9:30 a.m. on October 28, but unexpectedly delayed by nearly 20 minutes. When the two began their discussion, the first topic was still the late Abe Shinzo. Trump started with a sentimental tone, praising his relationship with Abe, then said he had long heard from Abe about "Kishida's excellence." He then praised Kishida's becoming Japan's first female leader as "a great thing" and predicted she would become an "excellent prime minister."

This warm speech clearly touched Kishida, who then expressed her gratitude and talked at length about the U.S.-Japan relationship, calling the U.S.-Japan relationship during Trump's era "the new golden age of the alliance." After hearing this, Trump couldn't help but boast: "We are always ready to help Japan in any way possible."

Under the friendly atmosphere, Kishida and Trump quickly moved into hard-core security issues. Faced with the criticism that Trump often accuses allies of free-riding, Kishida demonstrated great sincerity and determination. She proactively told Trump that the Japanese government would fulfill its defense commitments ahead of schedule, and could achieve the goal of 2% of GDP for defense spending within this fiscal year.

Trump welcomed this, especially mentioning "Japan's increased procurement of American weapons," and talked extensively about the superior performance of American weapons, revealing his inherent "arms sales" nature. However, according to the Daily News, there are voices in Washington demanding that Japan increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, which means that in the future, Trump may continue to pressure Japan on issues such as the cost-sharing of驻日美军 (U.S. military forces stationed in Japan).

In addition to traditional military cooperation, the biggest highlight of this summit was closely linking economic security with national security. After the summit, Trump and Kishida signed two key joint documents. One of them was the cooperation between the U.S. and Japan on the rare earth supply chain. Japanese media stated that the U.S. and Japan are jointly building a "China-free" strategic material lifeline.

Trump and Kishida signed multiple agreements, confirming 55 billion dollars in investment

In economic matters, Kishida made a special arrangement. In front of the entrance of the Akasaka Memorial Park where the summit was held, two shiny Ford pickup trucks and one Toyota car were displayed side by side, forming an interesting picture. This was obviously a carefully arranged "gift" by the Japanese side. Trump has often complained that the Japanese market is not open to American cars, constituting unfair trade. These two pickup trucks were undoubtedly a signal from the Japanese government to Trump: Japan is purchasing American cars.

A more substantial gift was Kishida reiterating her commitment to the 55 billion dollar massive investment to the U.S., which will flow into U.S. infrastructure and manufacturing, perfectly aligning with Trump's economic agenda of "making America great again." The other document signed by both sides was to ensure the implementation of this tariff agreement and investment plan. Japan also promised to expand the purchase of American soybeans and liquefied natural gas.

American think tank expert Kenneth Weinstein said: Kishida's efforts were not in vain. She not only gave Trump enough face, but also offered substantial benefits, successfully transforming a potentially explosive trade negotiation into a question that strengthens the alliance.

The most surprising topic of this summit was Kishida's recommendation of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Asahi Shimbun, Trump's desire for the Nobel Peace Prize is no secret, and Kishida's action obviously catered to Trump's personal vanity.

Trump took Kishida aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier

The afternoon session on October 28 pushed the symbolic significance of the alliance to its peak. Kishida and Trump took a helicopter to the Yokosuka Base and boarded the "George Washington" aircraft carrier. Japanese media pointed out that this was an extremely rare honor, symbolizing the rapidly warming personal relationship between the two. In short, Kishida's reception was very successful!



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566457761802863140/

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