Japanese PM Ishiba Eyes February Summit with Trump to Reaffirm U.S.-Japan Relations
Daniel Kim Views
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is reportedly organizing a summit with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for February 2025 or later.
According to Nikkei, the decision reflects a preference for a formal summit to reaffirm U.S.-Japan relations and address key issues between the two nations.
Trump is set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. The Japanese government has expressed a desire to hold the meeting after February and is currently coordinating with Trump’s administration.
February aligns with the conclusion of deliberations in Japan’s House of Representatives on the 2025 fiscal year budget. Ishiba is reportedly considering visiting the U.S. over a weekend or holiday during this period.
Earlier, last December, Trump met with Akie Abe, the wife of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and mentioned during a press conference that he was open to meeting with Japanese officials even before his inauguration if requested.
However, within the Japanese government, there has been debate over the necessity and effectiveness of an early meeting before Trump takes office.
Ishiba appeared on a recent Yomiuri TV program and stated, “We are coordinating the schedule discreetly. Properly discussing U.S.-Japan issues after Trump formally launches his administration is significant.” He also emphasized, “An earlier meeting is not necessarily better.”
The Japanese government is concerned that the Trump administration may impose high tariffs on Japanese goods or demand increased contributions for hosting U.S. forces in Japan.
A senior official from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “It is crucial to present documents during the summit and confirm both nations’ policies.”
The Japanese government initially considered arranging a November visit to the U.S. to coincide with Ishiba’s trip to South America. However, Trump’s administration reportedly declined the request, citing domestic legal restrictions on meetings with foreign leaders before the inauguration.
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