Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to “further strengthen” Japan’s military alliance with the United States on Friday, in his key annual policy speech for 2017 kicking off a six-month ordinary Diet session.
In recent policy speeches Abe has covered economic issues first and foreign policy later. But this year he started with diplomatic policies, apparently trying ease concerns over ties with the U. S. under incoming President Donald Trump, who has criticized Japan on issues from trade to security.
“In the past, now, and from now on, it is the Japan-U. S. alliance that is the cornerstone of foreign and security policies of our country,” Abe told lawmakers packed in the House of Representatives plenary session hall.
“This is a changeless principle. I’d like to visit the U. S. as soon as possible, and I, together with new President Trump, will further strengthen the alliance ties,” Abe said.
Jiji Press reported that the two are likely to meet at the White House early next month after Trump takes office early Saturday morning Japan time, quoting Japanese government sources.
Despite the great uncertainty Trump poses for U. S. foreign policy in Asia, Abe has little room to back away from his commitment to strengthen Japan’s military alliance with the U. S.
Since taking office in December 2012, Abe has centered most of his diplomatic policies on military ties with the U.
