In a powerful display of the U.S.-Japan alliance, President Donald Trump met in Tokyo with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, lavishly praising her and cementing a crucial deal on rare earth minerals.
Takaichi, who recently became Japan’s first female Prime Minister and is a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, made a significant impression. “Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump told her at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace. He also congratulated her on her historic achievement as a woman leader, calling it “a big deal.”
Key Outcomes of the Summit
- Rare Earths and Minerals Deal: The leaders signed a framework agreement to strengthen the supply of critical minerals and rare earths. This move is a direct effort by both nations to reduce China’s dominance over these key electronic components.
- Security Pledge: Takaichi sought to preempt demands for increased defense spending by promising to fast-track plans to boost Japan’s defense spending to 2% of GDP. Trump also praised Japan’s efforts to purchase more U.S. defense equipment.
- Nobel Peace Prize Nod: Takaichi applauded Trump’s diplomatic efforts, specifically mentioning ceasefires between Cambodia and Thailand, and Israel and Palestinian militants. She has vowed to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to his spokesperson.
- Economic Gestures: Japan is preparing a package of U.S. investments under a $550-billion deal, which includes major pledges to buy U.S. soybeans, gas, and pickup trucks, in addition to investments in areas like shipbuilding and AI.
Abe’s Enduring Legacy
The meeting underscored the deep personal bond between Trump and the late Shinzo Abe. Takaichi repeatedly invoked the former Prime Minister’s affection for Trump, gifting him Abe’s putter encased in glass, a golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama, and a gold-leaf golf ball.
Later in the day, Trump and Takaichi flew to the Yokosuka naval base for a visit to the U.S. aircraft carrier George Washington, where Trump told the assembled U.S. sailors, “This woman is a winner.”
The meeting was a key step in Trump’s five-day Asia trip, which is set to culminate with a high-stakes trade war truce meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday.
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