Japan’s PM Takaichi to woo Trump with promises on pickup trucks, soya beans

But she will not commit to any new defence spending target at talks next week: Source

- 

As Japan’s new premier Sanae Takaichi got to work on Oct 22, her government began finalising a purchase package, including US pickup trucks, soya beans and gas, to present to US President Donald Trump in trade and security talks next week, two sources said.

She will not, however, commit to any new defence spending target at the meeting, which comes as Washington presses Japan and other allies to do more, said one of the sources with knowledge of the preparations.

The leaders will sit down in Tokyo early next week during Mr Trump’s first visit to Japan since his reelection, following an agreement by Ms Takaichi’s predecessor, Mr Shigeru Ishiba, to invest as much as US$550 billion (S$714 billion) in the US in return for lower vehicle tariffs.

“The alliance with the United States is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy,’ Ms Takaichi said on Oct 21 at her inaugural press conference as prime minister.

A Japanese government spokesperson, when asked about the planned purchase package and possible investments, said: “It would be premature to comment on the discussions that may take place during President Trump’s visit.”