[Anchor]
In light of Japan’s efforts to strengthen relations with the next Trump administration, the Japanese Foreign Minister is making the unusual move of attending President Trump’s inauguration.
Additionally, Japan is accelerating diplomatic and security cooperation with Southeast Asia, with an evident strategy to reinforce efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Reporting from Tokyo is correspondent Kim Se-ho.
[Reporter]
Takeshi Iwaya, the Japanese Foreign Minister, is attending President Trump’s inauguration, marking the first time a Japanese Cabinet member has done so.
This is unprecedented, as the Japanese ambassador to the U.S. typically attends.
During his visit, Iwaya is also expected to coordinate for a U.S.-Japan summit meeting.
[Takeshi Iwaya / Japanese Foreign Minister: With a mindset to further deepen and develop our relationship, I intend to engage in close communication with the upcoming Trump administration.]
It has also been reported that the day after the inauguration, Iwaya will attend a meeting of the ‘Quad’ diplomatic ministers’ forum, which includes the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India, focusing on Indo-Pacific security.
In this meeting, the enhancement and continuation of cooperation among the four countries during Trump’s second term will reportedly be affirmed as crucial for Indo-Pacific security.
Previously, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held successive meetings with leaders of Malaysia, the ASEAN chair, and Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, on the 10th to 11th of this month.
[Shigeru Ishiba / Japanese Prime Minister: In Japanese diplomacy, strengthening cooperation with ASEAN and the Southeast Asia region is one of the top priorities.]
During his meeting with the Indonesian President, Prime Minister Ishiba agreed to enhance defense equipment and technology cooperation, including providing high-speed patrol vessels.
This move is aimed at countering China’s increasing maritime presence.
Japanese media, including the Asahi Shimbun, perceive Japan’s initiative as an effort to act as a link between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, which may weaken post-Trump’s inauguration, as Southeast Asia is a frontline in U.S.-China competition.
Additionally, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively considering supporting the UK, which plans to deploy an aircraft carrier to the Indo-Pacific region this year, in defense measures.
Japan appears to be fully engaging at all levels, from leadership to operational, in efforts to counter China at the start of the new year.
This is Kim Se-ho reporting from YTN in Tokyo.
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