Tokyo: U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first official meeting in Tokyo, marking the beginning of a renewed partnership focused on trade, security, and supply chain resilience. The talks underscored both nations’ commitment to strengthening their strategic alliance amid rising regional tensions and global economic competition.
Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, welcomed President Trump on his Asia tour, emphasizing that the U.S. Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of her country’s foreign policy. Both leaders discussed key issues, including regional stability, defense cooperation, and the diversification of critical mineral supplies away from China.
The meeting concluded with a framework agreement aimed at expanding cooperation on rare earth and critical minerals, resources essential for technology, defense, and clean energy industries. The deal is expected to help both countries reduce dependency on Chinese processing and create more stable and secure supply chains.
President Trump praised Takaichi for her leadership and called her a great partner in advancing shared goals for economic growth and security. “Japan has always been one of America’s closest allies, and under Prime Minister Takaichi, we see a strong and dynamic future ahead,” Trump said during the joint press briefing.
As part of the discussions, Japan signaled willingness to increase defense spending to two percent of its GDP and to boost imports of American products, including natural gas, soybeans, and vehicles. These moves are seen as efforts to balance trade relations while enhancing Japan’s military readiness amid growing concerns over China’s regional assertiveness.
Takaichi, who has long been associated with the conservative policies of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, reaffirmed her commitment to deepening the alliance with Washington. “Our partnership with the United States is vital for the peace and prosperity of the Indo Pacific,” she said, highlighting Japan’s intent to play a larger role in regional security.
The Tokyo meeting comes ahead of Trump’s expected talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which are anticipated to focus on trade and geopolitical issues. Analysts view the Japan stop as a strategic step in reinforcing U.S. alliances before those high stakes negotiations.
While the new agreement on critical minerals was welcomed by both sides, many details, including project funding and implementation timelines, are still being finalized. Political analysts note that Takaichi’s relatively new government will face domestic challenges in delivering on its ambitious foreign policy agenda.
The renewed partnership between Washington and Tokyo signals a deepening of ties that could reshape regional dynamics in the Indo Pacific. For both nations, the meeting represents not only a diplomatic milestone but also a coordinated step toward building economic security in an increasingly competitive global landscape.