Japan's New PM Strengthens US Alliance with Trump Amid Regional Security Concerns

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, has launched a charm offensive during President Trump's visit to Tokyo to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. She presented Trump with a putter that belonged to Abe, echoing Abe's earlier gift of a golden golf driver to Trump, and promised to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, emphasizing their close ties. Takaichi's strategy aimed to leverage the existing chemistry between Trump and Abe to secure favorable cooperation, including a critical minerals agreement that bolsters the U.S. position ahead of Trump's upcoming meeting with China. The visit also underscores Japan's delicate balancing act amid rising concerns over China and North Korea, as it seeks to reinforce its security alliance with the U.S. while managing domestic interests. Observers note that Takaichi hopes to emulate Abe's close rapport with Trump to usher in a new 'golden age' of bilateral relations.