Tokyo – Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Friday that he will emphasize the economic and national security value that Japan offers as a key ally to the United States during his visit to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
During his four-day stay beginning Sunday, Iwaya will be the first senior Japanese official to meet members of the incoming president’s governing team. He is expected to meet with Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Senator Marco Rubio, who is likely to be confirmed on Monday.
Iwaya highlighted Japan’s commitment to allocating 2% of its gross domestic product to defense by 2027, in line with its national security strategy. “Japan’s status as the leading U.S. investor over the past five years also demonstrates our contributions,” Iwaya said at a regular press briefing. “I will thoroughly explain and ensure understanding of these efforts,” he added.
Despite Japan’s deep economic and security ties with the U.S., including a decades-long military alliance that provides Washington with military bases on China’s doorstep, Tokyo remains uncertain whether Japanese goods, such as automobiles, will be subject to the trade tariffs that Trump has proposed.
Iwaya, making his first visit to the U.S. since taking up his post in October, stated that his trip will pave the way for a first meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which is expected to take place next month.