President Donald Trump opened a state visit to Japan by needling the American ally over its trade imbalance with the United States.
Jill Colvin and Darlene Superville
May 25 2019 6:59 PM
President Donald Trump opened a state visit to Japan by needling the American ally over its trade imbalance with the United States.
“Maybe that’s why you like me so much,” he joked.
Mr Trump also promoted the US under his leadership, saying “there’s never been a better time” to invest or do business in America, and he urged corporate leaders to come.
The president’s first event after arriving in Tokyo was a reception with several dozen Japanese and American business leaders at the US ambassador’s residence.
He said the two countries “are hard at work” negotiating a trade agreement.
“I would say that Japan has had a substantial edge for many, many years, but that’s OK”, Mr Trump said, joking that “maybe that’s why you like me so much”.
His comments underscored the competing dynamics of a state visit designed to show off the long US-Japan alliance and the close friendship between Mr Trump and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe even as trade tensions run high.
Mr Trump landed from his overnight flight shortly after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck just south of Tokyo and rattled the city.
Mr Abe has planned a largely ceremonial, four-day visit to suit Mr Trump’s whims and ego.
It is part of Mr Abe’s charm strategy that some analysts say has spared Japan from the full weight of Mr Trump’s trade wrath.
Mr Abe and Mr Trump planned to play golf on Sunday before Mr Abe gives Mr Trump the chance to present his President’s Cup trophy to the winner of a sumo wrestling championship match.
The White House said the trophy is nearly five feet tall and weighs between 60 and 70lb.
On Monday, Mr Trump will become the first head of state to meet Emperor Naruhito since he ascended to the throne this month.
“With all the countries of the world, I’m the guest of honour at the biggest event that they’ve had in over 200 years,” Mr Trump said before the trip.
The president is threatening Japan with potentially devastating US tariffs on foreign cars and car parts.
He has suggested he will go ahead with the trade penalties if US trade representative Robert Lighthizer fails to win concessions from Japan and the European Union.
