Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday to reaffirm bilateral ties, as Trump pressed Japan to take a larger role in protecting the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war.
Takaichi told Trump through an interpreter that the global security situation was “very severe” and that she believed only he could “achieve peace across the world.” Trump described Takaichi as a “popular, powerful woman” but pressed Japan to “step up,” noting the country draws over 90 percent of its crude oil imports through the strait.
Tension surfaced during the meeting when Trump referenced Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor while discussing military surprise tactics. Takaichi did not respond to the remark.
After the meeting, Takaichi said both sides agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. She outlined the limits Japan faces under its war-renouncing Constitution, which restricts its forces from operating in areas where they could engage in combat.
The two sides announced a $40 billion nuclear energy deal between US-based GE Vernova and Japan’s Hitachi to build reactors in the United States. A second batch of investment deals may reach up to $63 billion.
Japan joined several European nations earlier Thursday in a joint statement calling on Iran to halt attacks on shipping in the strait and expressing readiness to support efforts for safe passage.
Trump has asked Beijing to delay his planned China visit, initially set for March 31, due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
For more news and update, click here to download our mobile app – Veritas Daily
To explore advertising or sponsorship collaborations, click here to contact us
Leave a Reply