US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday for the first time, Reuters reports.
The meeting comes as both countries, wary of China’s increasing power, seek to strengthen their business and security ties. However, the meeting also takes place against the backdrop of an escalating trade war that threatens to destabilize the global economy.
Despite a tumultuous first three weeks in office marked by unconventional policies and strained relationships with various nations, Trump has seemingly adopted a more traditional approach towards long-standing Asia-Pacific allies like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines.
Nevertheless, these alliances may face challenges as Trump’s initial confrontation with China over synthetic opioids and his threats of tariffs against other countries, including Japan, risk disrupting commercial relationships within Asia and globally.
Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China, an action he described as an “opening salvo” in a clash between the world’s two largest economies.
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