Trump To Meet Japan’s Ishiba Amid China’s Trade War

US President Donald Trump will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for the first time on Friday as the two allies seek to boost business and security ties against China Amid escalating trade war that’s threatening the global economy.

Trump, whose first three weeks in office have disrupted norms and shaken foreign capitals from Ottawa to Bogota, has taken a more conventional approach to Washington’s longstanding Asia-Pacific allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines.

But those friendships may be tested as Trump’s early fight with China over synthetic opioids and warnings of tariffs against other countries – Japan included – threaten to disrupt commercial relations in Asia and beyond.

Trump put a 10% tariff on all imports from China in what he called an “opening salvo” in a clash between the world’s two largest economies, sending consumers and businesses scrambling to adjust.

Japan is especially trade-dependent: it is a major exporter and counts on imports for much of its food and natural resources, and many of its firms are deeply invested in and reliant on China.

Tokyo shares the hawkish outlook towards China of Trump’s national security team over Beijing’s global ambitions and extensive territorial claims in Asia, including the vital chip-producing island of Taiwan.

At the same time, Japanese officials are wary of possible efforts by Beijing to court the U.S. president with promises of cooperation on key global issues, including trade. Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping days before taking office and has said he will discuss tariffs with him soon.

Japanese officials speaking privately say they are comfortable in dealing with Trump’s China hawks, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security Michael Waltz, but less so with those in the administration with strong business ties with Beijing, such as billionaire Elon Musk, who has developed a significant Washington power base.

Trump and Ishiba are expected to hold a joint news conference on Friday afternoon.

For Tokyo, the early White House visit is a promising signal from the new Trump administration.

Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma