U.S. and Japan Strengthen Alliance in First Summit

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7, 2025, marking their first summit since Trump’s return to office. The meeting focused on strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance, with discussions on boosting U.S. gas exports to Japan, enhancing military cooperation, and collaborating on advanced technologies such as AI and semiconductors. Trump and Ishiba also addressed trade issues, with Trump urging Japan to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and warning of potential tariffs if not achieved. Both leaders pledged to counter Chinese aggression, with plans for joint military exercises and increased Japanese investment in the U.S. Ishiba aims to cultivate a personal rapport with Trump, similar to his predecessor Shinzo Abe, to solidify U.S.-Japan relations. Despite the focus on cooperation, the possibility of tariffs remains a point of contention between the two countries.