Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said arrangements are underway for a meeting with President Donald Trump in the United States relatively early next year.
- Japanese government sources say Tokyo has sounded out Washington on a late‑March visit for Takaichi’s first U.S. trip as prime minister, with timing subject to U.S. scheduling and possible slippage into April or later.
- Officials frame the summit as a chance to align on China policy and Taiwan contingencies after Takaichi’s November remarks strained ties with Beijing.
- Tokyo is likely to seek U.S. cooperation on economic security, including diversifying rare‑earth supply chains, while discussions could cover specifics of the $550 billion U.S. investment package linked to a tariff deal and Japan’s defense spending plans.
- China has stepped up pressure by urging travel agencies to cut Japan‑bound tourists by 40 percent and barring Japanese‑themed content at a major comic convention, even as Takaichi says channels for dialogue with Beijing remain open.