Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Prepares for High-Stakes Summit with Trump

The meeting will address trade, defense spending, and regional stability as Japan seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., from February 6-8 for their first face-to-face summit.
Key topics include expanding Japan's imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas and addressing defense spending expectations under Trump's 'America First' policies.
The summit follows concerns in Japan over a blocked $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, attributed to national security concerns under the Biden administration.
Ishiba is also expected to extend an invitation for Trump to visit Japan later this year to reinforce bilateral ties.
The meeting comes as Ishiba faces domestic criticism over his perceived lack of political strength and as Japan navigates regional tensions, including China's growing military presence.