TOKYO, JAPAN – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during his first official visit to the United States this week, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced on Tuesday.
Ishiba’s trip, scheduled for February 6-8, will include a bilateral summit in Washington, D.C., marking his first face-to-face meeting with Trump since taking office.
“If circumstances permit, he will visit the United States from February 6-8 and hold his first Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump in Washington, D.C.,” Hayashi told reporters.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The summit is expected to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with China and North Korea.
While officials have not disclosed the full agenda, discussions are likely to cover:
- Regional Security – Japan’s role in maintaining stability in the East China Sea and South China Sea, as well as ongoing concerns over North Korea’s missile program.
- Economic and Trade Relations – Trade agreements between the two largest economies in the Indo-Pacific and potential U.S.-Japan cooperation on supply chains.
- Defense Cooperation – The future of U.S. military bases in Japan, joint military exercises, and Japan’s plans to bolster its defense spending.
Strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance
Ishiba, known for his strong stance on defense policy, is expected to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to working closely with the United States and its allies. The visit comes at a time when both nations are navigating complex global challenges, including China’s territorial ambitions, Taiwan’s security, and economic competition.
This meeting will also serve as an opportunity for Trump and Ishiba to solidify their working relationship, with Ishiba succeeding Fumio Kishida as Japan’s prime minister.
Diplomatic Outreach
Before his U.S. trip, Ishiba has been engaging with international leaders, signaling his commitment to Japan’s global leadership role. The Japan-U.S. summit will be closely watched as a barometer of future bilateral cooperation in the Pacific region and beyond.
With both nations reaffirming their long-standing alliance, Ishiba’s Washington visit could set the tone for Japan’s foreign policy direction under his leadership.