Takaichi Leaves for 1st U.S. Visit as P.M. to Meet Trump

Tokyo, March 18 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday night departed for Washington to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on her first visit to the United States since taking office in October last year. Ensuring the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a key topic in their talks, amid a de facto blockade of the strait by Iran following the U.S.-Israeli attack on the country. One focus will be on what actions the president will ask Japan to take, including the possible dispatch of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces troops to the strait. Takaichi and Trump are due to meet at the White House on Thursday. While calling on countries, including Japan, to send naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz to escort ships, Trump has also stated that military assistance is not needed. “It would be difficult for Japan to dispatch the SDF troops to the strait before the fighting ends,” a Japanese government source said, referring to legal and political hurdles for realizing such a move. Asked if Trump wants Japan to send the SDF troops to the strait, Takaichi said at a parliamentary meeting Wednesday that “I will clearly convey what we can and cannot do in accordance with Japanese law.” Noting that Japan is working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East by leveraging its friendly relations with Iran, she also said, “I will also clearly convey this position of Japan.” Speaking to reporters at the prime minister’s office before departure, Takaichi said, “The most important thing is to calm down the situation as soon as possible.” “We must work toward peace and stability in the Middle East,” she added. Away from the Iranian situation, diplomacy with China and economic security are likely to be discussed at the Takaichi-Trump talks. With an eye on the upcoming summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Takaichi aims to coordinate views with the U.S. leader on Beijing’s increasingly coercive actions. As part of Japan’s 550-billion-dollar investment and loan pledge to the United States under their tariff agreement, Takaichi and Trump are expected to agree on cooperation to boost crude oil production in Alaska. The prime minister also plans to expand cooperation with the United States to strengthen economic security in a bid to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. She is also set to explain plans to increase her country’s defense spending. After the summit at the White House, a working lunch session will be held, followed by a dinner party to be hosted by Trump. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and trade minister Ryosei Akazawa will accompany Takaichi to the United States. The prime minister will return home on Saturday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]