Japan May Up Purchases of U.S. Military Equipment Following Trump Visit
While visiting Japan, President Donald Trump has pushed the country to buy "massive" amounts of military equipment from the U.S. to bolster its defense against North Korea, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports. During a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said this would mean "a lot of jobs for us, and a lot of safety for Japan."
Abe also indicated the country would likely purchase more such equipment from the U.S. and mentioned plans to upgrade its existing missile defense system and to purchase more advance fighter jets. The two leaders praised one another, with Abe saying the alliance between the U.S. and Japan is "unshakable."
That said, WSJ reports that trade remains a tough subject. While Abe said Japan agreed to negotiations on bilateral trade issues, he also expressed hopes the Trans-Pacific Partnership (or something similar) could be revived. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the TPP soon after taking office. Trump remains focused on narrowing the U.S. trade deficit with Japan, saying that he is seeking "equal and reliable access for American exports to Japan's markets."
Tomorrow, Trump will travel to South Korea as he continues his five-nation tour of Asia.