“Strengthening relationships with allies and like-minded countries in the region is the priority for the U.S. and for U.S. national interests,” Shironitta tells TIME. This approach aims to guard against the influences of China, Russia, and North Korea.
Such timing provides a significant opportunity for the U.S. and Japan—and for Trump and Takaichi—to showcase their reliable partnership and future plans for the alliance. It also reaffirms the Administration’s strategic priorities in the region, including defense cooperation, trade, and energy security.
Shironitta adds that Takaichi, while seen as conservative and nationalistic, is also a realist. Japan needs to balance its relations with China, its largest economic partner.
“She is expected to limit China’s influence, especially in strategic areas such as defense and advanced technology,” Shironitta explains. “However, she is likely to manage the relationship with China pragmatically, avoiding overt confrontation. The challenge for her will be maintaining strategic clarity and significance with the U.S., while promoting economic relations with China.”
https://time.com/7328829/sanae-takaichi-donald-trump-japan-us-trade-defense-ishiba-abe/
