**Possible First Meeting Between Trump and Next Japanese Prime Minister**
[Herald Economy, Journalist Kim Ji-heon] Reuters reported on the 24th (local time) that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering visiting Japan before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Korea, on October 31. The visit is expected to take place in late October.
According to officials from the U.S. and Japan, if the Japan visit is finalized, President Trump will have his first meeting with the successor of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is set to step down on October 4.
This visit is interpreted as a move to reinforce the follow-up measures of the trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan, which is considered America’s biggest ally in Asia in terms of trade and security. Reuters noted that Trump’s visit to Japan is likely to occur before his visit to South Korea for the APEC summit.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun analyzed that it is likely to be Trump’s first meeting with the new Japanese Prime Minister succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who has announced his resignation. The agenda is expected to cover defense cooperation aimed at deepening the alliance, as well as economic issues based on the U.S.-Japan tariff agreement made in late July.
President Trump announced he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit, and there are speculations that he could also meet with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un at that time.
The newspaper further analyzed that Japan intends to coordinate its policies on China through summit discussions with the U.S. President before the U.S.-China summit at APEC.
However, there is a possibility that the timing of the Japan visit may change. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that President Trump is confirmed to attend the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26 to 28.