Ishiba says Japan will seek stable energy supply from Trump


TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (pic) said he would ask US President Donald Trump for a stable supply of energy when they meet, hinting at the deals that the Japanese leader may try to strike with Trump in upcoming talks.

Ishiba is expected to travel to the US early next month to meet with the US president amid prospects that Japan, a longtime ally of the US, may get caught up in a global trade war over tariffs.

"There are things that we would like to ask from the US regarding a stable supply of energy,” Ishiba said at a parliamentary session on Friday (Jan 31), adding that it’s a particularly important point given current situations in the middle east.

He also highlighted how much Japan is already investing into the US, saying "I would like to see more Japanese investment there, and hope to contribute to creating more jobs.”

Ishiba’s comments suggest that he is making preparations to try and placate Trump ahead of their expected summit, as Japan faces the risk of sudden tariff threats from the president, much like the rest of the world. Offers to buy US goods and emphasising how much Japan already contributes to the US economy may be part of Ishiba’s strategy.

The Nikkei newspaper reported this week that the prime minister had an eye on striking a deal to expand imports of shale gas from the US when he meets with Trump. The Japanese government refrained from commenting on the details of the report.

Ishiba said on Friday he also hoped to discuss the "establishment of a new type of alliance that is beneficial for both countries” during the talks.

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But the threat of tariffs still looms. Trump is set to impose a fresh bout of tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Saturday, pledging 25 per cent tariffs on about US$900 billion in goods from both nations. He has also suggested that 10 per cent import duty will be imposed on China without specifying the timing.

While Japan has declined to comment on the specifics of when the two may meet, the Asahi newspaper reported that the two governments are finalising preparations for a Feb. 7 meeting. - Bloomberg

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Japan , Ishiba , Trump , energy supply

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