For the U.S.’s closest ally in Asia, Ishiba Shigeru’s visit to Washington was high stakes. Japan not only sought Donald Trump’s commitment to their alliance. Tokyo also hoped Trump wouldn’t weaken the Japanese economy through tariffs amid escalating threats in a volatile region. In a joint press conference, Trump said: "I'm pleased to say that this week my administration approved nearly a billion dollars in foreign military sales to Tokyo. The United States is totally committed to the security of Japan. We will extend the full strength of American deterrence capabilities in defense of our friend and ally." So, should the U.S.’s most strategic Asian treaty ally leave this pivotal summit reassured?
Our guests:
Lai I-chung
- Prospect Foundation President
Yuan I
- National Chengchi University Institute of International Relations Adjunct Research Fellow
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