No nation has more at stake in Donald Trump’s north Asian policy than Japan. Perhaps that’s why it has been so quick off the mark in mastering America’s new strongman, via the FT:
Japan’s government is pushing companies and investors to hand over details of their US investment plans so Shinzo Abe can deliver a “tweetable” figure to Donald Trump when they meet this week.
Executives at three top Japanese companies said officials had been in touch asking for investment numbers. Public investment institutions say the prime minister is also leaning on them to pledge tens of billions of dollars to US infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail.
Mr Abe’s extraordinary effort to bring gifts highlights his determination to forge a personal bond with the US president. He aims to gain influence over US policy in Asia and head off tensions about trade or the cost of maintaining US forces in Japan.
And the result? From JT:
The primary mission of Abe’s trip is to “show anew to the world that the Japan-U.S. alliance is unshakable” in dealing with security challenges, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.
Meeting Trump in Florida “will be a very meaningful opportunity for the two leaders to build up a personal relationship,” Suga said.
Meanwhile, Trump confirmed to Westwood One Sports radio on Sunday that he will play a round of golf with Abe in Palm Beach, Florida.
“We’re going to have a round of golf, which is a great thing,” Trump said in the phone interview, according to a White House transcript.
“If we get along with Russia and other countries — I mean, I want to get along with all countries — but if we got along with Russia, if we got along with China, if we got along with Japan … that’s a good thing, not a bad thing.”
Asked if he would make a bet on the game and if Abe is a good golfer, Trump said “I don’t know. I think — I know he loves the game, and we’re going to have a lot of fun. It won’t matter. I’ll just make sure he’s my partner.”
During the election campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized Japan for unfair trade practice involving auto imports and exports. He also suggested the U.S.-Japan security arrangement was one-sided. And just recently, Trump accused Tokyo of using monetary policy to devalue its currency to benefit Japanese exporters.
What is that? Four or five hours of one on one time with El Trumpo? The way to this man’s heart is through flattering his ego and wallet, not throwing refugees at him for domestic political gain.
