Japan’s Kishida Hails His Visit to US as a Diplomatic Success
==========

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida touted diplomatic success during his weeklong visit to the US while pledging to keep close ties with South Korea, despite an election loss for the nation’s president. His official visit to Washington, the first in nine years by a Japanese leader, resulted in initiatives that will improve military operations between the two countries and build a stronger alliance with the Philippines to counter an assertive China. Kishida also used the trip to convince American companies to invest in Japan and showcase the positive impact that his nation has on the US economy as the biggest foreign investor. Kishida wanted to send a message about the kind of future Japan and the US want to build, and he believes he was able to convey that message to the US Congress, American people, and the world. Kishida emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between Japan and South Korea in a multi-faceted manner, despite an election loss for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The US trip may help Kishida restore his fragile public support following a party slush fund scandal. He has pledged to reform political funds regulations and is not currently considering a snap election.

#Japan #Us #Diplomacy #FumioKishida #SouthKorea #Election #MilitaryOperations #Alliance #China #Investment #SlushFundScandal #PoliticalFundsRegulations #SnapElection

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-13/japan-s-kishida-hails-his-visit-to-us-as-a-diplomatic-success