Kyodo News: Takahashi Sanae plans to visit the US in March next year, hoping to reaffirm the Japan-US alliance
According to Kyodo News, a government source revealed on December 24 that the Japanese government has asked the US about its intention regarding the schedule for Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae's first visit to the US in the second half of March next year, and a meeting with US President Trump.
The report said that the government initially proposed visiting the US before the opening of the regular session of the Diet in January, but coordination failed. According to analysis, the government believes that if the 2026 budget bill is passed, it could use the gap in the Diet's response to visit the US in March. The schedule needs to be coordinated with the US and may be postponed to after April.
Trump emphasizes the US-China trade negotiations and emphasizes that the US-China relationship is "extremely solid".
Kyodo News also said that the Japanese side is concerned about Trump's attitude and hopes to clearly explain Japan's position before the US-China talks to gain understanding. To counter China, Japan also hopes to strengthen cooperation in the field of economic security, including strengthening the rare earth supply chain.
In the meeting, Trump may ask Japan to implement the $55 billion investment in the US that was promised as a condition for reducing tariffs on Japanese goods. It is expected that the measures to increase defense spending, which Takahashi actively advocates, to enhance defense capabilities will also be an issue.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852431418803208/
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