Japan braces for Trump’s return, fears trade war and military pressure: ‘we just do not know’
Tokyo is concerned about potential US troop withdrawals, higher defence costs, and the impact of new tariffs on Japanese businesses operating in China
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba quickly extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, shortly after it became clear the Republican Party’s nominee was victorious in the US presidential election, expressing hope the incoming administration would enhance the bilateral relationship “to new heights.”
The Japanese government is arranging a meeting between Ishiba and Trump to emphasise the importance of the trans-Pacific relationship, similar to then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Trump Tower in November 2016, where he presented Trump with a gold golf club worth US$3,755.
“I heard Mr Trump declare victory and I would like to congratulate him from the bottom of my heart,” Ishiba told reporters in Tokyo, expressing his eagerness to work closely with him “to bring the Japan-US alliance and relationship to new heights.”
Earlier in the day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the alliance would remain “the linchpin of Japan’s foreign and security policies” and would be the “foundations” of peace and prosperity in the region.
Analysts suggest Tokyo is aware of the risks associated with Trump returning to the White House – including an unpredictable decision-making process, a transactional approach to international relations and the possibility of new trade barriers – but the Japanese government believes he is preferable to a Kamala Harris administration.
