Japan’s foreign minister to highlight defense spending, investment at Trump inauguration Reuters
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s foreign minister said on Friday he would highlight the economic and national security value offered by a key Asian ally of the United States during his visit to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
During his four-day stay starting Sunday, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will be the first high-ranking Japanese official to meet with members of the incoming president’s ruling team.
Iwaya said he is likely to meet with Trump’s choice for secretary of state, Senator Marco Rubio, who is expected to be confirmed on Monday.
Iwaya said Japan’s commitment to allocate 2% of gross domestic product to defense by 2027, in line with its national security strategy, is making steady progress.
“Japan’s status as a leading US investor over the past five years also shows our contribution,” 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 to the US, including a decades-long military alliance that provides Washington with military bases on China’s doorstep, Tokyo is unsure whether Japanese goods, such as cars, will be subject to the trade tariffs Trump has said he will impose on imports.
Iwaya, who is on his first visit to the US since taking office in October, said his trip would pave the way for the first meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which is scheduled to take place next month.
