‘Golden Age’ of the Japan-US Alliance in the Shadow of Abe

By: Yuki Tatsumi | The Diplomat |

U.S. President Donald Trump and newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae sat down for their first in-person summit meeting in Tokyo on October 28. Leading up to the meeting, many in Tokyo were worried. Would Takaichi be able to strike a good personal accord with Trump? Would Trump publicly press Takaichi with his demands on trade or the defense budget?

When everything was said and done, their first meeting defied everyone’s expectations – in a good way. Just look at the official “handshake” photos at the beginning and other images that emerged following the meeting. Trump’s big smile as they shook hands to pose for the official photo, Takaichi holding Trump’s hand as they walked down the stairs while continuing their intense conversation, the two walking down the hall together with their arms linked and Takaichi beaming with a smile – all suggest that the two clearly hit it off. Trump invited Takaichi to join him for his visit to U.S. Naval Base Yokosuka, including a joint ride on the Marine One and even briefly shared the stage with her aboard USS George Washington, a telltale sign that Trump considers her as his equal, and may be already developing a sense of genuine friendship toward her.

Read the full article on The Diplomat.