Trump Hosts Japan PM Takaichi, Secures $550B Trade Defense Deal

US President Donald Trump praised Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his Tokyo visit, endorsing her plan to accelerate Japan's military expansion and increase defense spending to 2% of GDP amid regional tensions. The two leaders signed a critical minerals agreement to secure supply chains for rare earths, essential for advanced technologies, and finalized trade and investment pledges totaling approximately $550 billion, covering sectors such as shipbuilding, soybeans, natural gas, and pickup trucks. Takaichi, a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, presented Trump with symbolic gifts including Abe's golf putter, highlighting the close personal and diplomatic ties between them. Both emphasized strengthening the US-Japan alliance as a "new golden age," reinforcing mutual defense commitments and cooperation on maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump reiterated unwavering US support for Japan, emphasizing a strong personal rapport and alliance at the highest level. The meeting reflected shared strategic goals to counterbalance China's influence and deepen bilateral economic and security cooperation.