U.S. President George W. Bush unexpectedly mentioned the need for a strong dollar when he met Saturday with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Japan has grown increasingly concerned that the yen's renewed rapid rise against the dollar may derail the economic recovery by throwing cold water on exports.
Bush's reference to his commitment to the strong-dollar policy, in his first meeting with Koizumi since he was re-elected Nov. 2, appears to have given a helping hand to the prime minister, symbolizing their continued close relations.
But the real intention behind Bush's remarks may be different.