Japan's PM Ishiba Seeks Strategic Meeting with Trump

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aims to strengthen US-Japan defense ties with President-elect Trump this month.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is planning a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump, following a brief phone call where they discussed boosting the US-Japan alliance.
The meeting is likely to be scheduled around the G20 summit in Brazil, with Ishiba emulating former PM Shinzo Abe's approach to building a close relationship with Trump.
Ishiba is focused on enhancing the defense partnership, amid expectations that Trump's policies may require allies to increase their own military spending.
Japan is already increasing its defense budget to meet NATO standards, aligning with Trump's anticipated demands for allies to contribute more to their own security.
Despite potential challenges in personal rapport, Ishiba is committed to candid discussions on defense cooperation and strategic military integration.