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Using charm and restraint, Japan’s Takaichi mostly avoids Trump’s wrath
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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office at the White House on March 19.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Javier C. Hernandez
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi used charm and praise to navigate a White House visit with President Donald Trump, securing US$73 billion in energy investments.
- Ms Takaichi addressed concerns over China and proposed a US-Japan oil reserve, mirroring former prime minister Shinzo Abe's approach to connect with Mr Trump.
- Despite success, Japan faces domestic pressure from rising petrol prices and potential future demands for military support in Hormuz.
AI generated
WASHINGTON – Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi came to the Oval Office on March 19 well aware that things could go badly, given President Donald Trump’s repeated complaints that US allies are not helping with the war in the Middle East.
But she managed to get through the visit to the White House – her first as prime minister – largely unscathed, avoiding the scorn that Mr Trump has unleashed on European allies and highlighting areas of cooperation, including up to US$73 billion (S$93 billion) in Japanese investments in energy projects in the United States.
