Japan’s PM Ishiba Seeks to Strengthen Alliance with US Under Trump, Drawing Parallels with Shinzo Abe

Following Donald Trump‘s declaration of victory in the United States presidential election, Japan‘s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba extended his congratulations and expressed a desire to elevate the alliance between Japan and the US to “new heights.”

Ishiba’s approach is reminiscent of the actions taken by his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, in 2016. After Trump’s first presidential victory, Abe promptly traveled to New York to meet President-elect Trump, marking Abe as the first international leader to do so at Trump’s Manhattan residence.

Similar to Abe’s proactive stance, Ishiba is seeking a meeting with Trump this month to discuss strengthening the Japan-US alliance and collaborating on fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This move underscores the significance of the economic and military ties between the two nations, with the US having a substantial military presence in Japan, particularly in the Okinawa area.

Ishiba’s leadership is currently navigating a challenging period after his ruling coalition suffered a major defeat in snap elections on October 27, losing its majority. Despite this, he remains committed to enhancing diplomatic relations with the US.