Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrapped up her first summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo on Tuesday, with the new Japanese leader pledging to realize “a new golden age” for their countries’ alliance.
Security was tight in the capital, with some 18,000 police officers mobilized ahead for the meeting, a crucial test of Takaichi’s diplomatic chops as she seeks to elevate the Japan-U.S. alliance to new heights while staving off increasing pressure from the U.S. on defense spending.
Takaichi, a protege of slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was close to Trump, was taking a page from her mentor’s approach to Trump by feting him with an audience with the emperor and a state visit full of pomp. She also presented him with a unique gift: a putter used by Abe and a golf bag signed by Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama.
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