- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she expects her meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House Thursday to be “very difficult.”
- Takaichi was originally slated to have Trump's ear before he embarked on a trip to China. But Trump’s China visit has been delayed because of the war in Iran. ”I think the U.S. visit will be a very difficult one, but I will do everything to maximize our national interest and to protect the daily lives of the people when the situation changes daily," Takaichi told parliament Wednesday, hours before her departure.
- Trump has publicly criticized US allies, including Japan, for not contributing to safeguarding the critical Strait of Hormuz, despite later insisting the US does not need assistance.
- Takaichi aims to discuss trade, strengthen the US-Japan relationship, and address security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding China and Taiwan.
- A significant $40 billion nuclear reactor deal is anticipated, involving US-based GE Vernova Inc. and Japan-based Hitachi Ltd. building advanced small modular reactors in the US.
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