The BRICS TimesTakaichi Pledges Nobel Peace Prize Nomination for Trump; Leaders Seal Rare Earths Deal
Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, pledged a “golden age” for US relations. She also vowed to fundamentally strengthen Japan’s defense position. This happened as Donald Trump began his official visit. Trump is on the second stop of his week-long Asia tour.
Security and Critical Minerals Deal
The US President and Takaichi quickly signed a new rare earths agreement. This framework aims to secure the mining and processing of these critical minerals. This move follows China’s recent decision to restrict mineral export controls. Rare earths are vital for many products. Trump will meet with China’s Xi Jinping soon in South Korea. This high-stakes meeting will focus on the ongoing trade war.
The White House said both nations will cooperate. They will use economic policy and coordinated investment. The goal is to speed up development of fair and diversified markets. This action specifically targets critical minerals and rare earths. The deal’s objective is to boost supply chain resilience and security. This will help both countries secure their access to these materials.
Mutual Praise and Nobel Nomination
Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister last week. She offered high praise for Trump, who has been seeking the Nobel peace prize. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed Takaichi will nominate Trump for the award. Trump claims he has ended several conflicts. However, many experts downplay his role in those resolutions.
“I want to achieve a new golden age for the Japan-US alliance,” Takaichi told reporters. She added that both Japan and the United States would become “stronger and also more prosperous.”
Conservative PM’s Stance
Takaichi is a conservative leader who admires Margaret Thatcher. She supports a more robust Japanese military force. Takaichi has visited Yasukuni, a Tokyo shrine. This shrine honors Japan’s war dead, including war criminals. She supports tight immigration controls for Japan. Takaichi also opposes legalizing same-sex marriages. She objects to allowing female imperial family members to become empresses.
The leaders started their private talks by watching baseball. They viewed a live TV broadcast of the World Series’ third game. Japanese star Shohei Ohtani was featured in the game.
Abe’s Legacy and Gifts
Takaichi congratulated Trump for brokering ceasefires in Gaza. She also thanked him for his role in the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. Both leaders mentioned Japan’s late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump and Abe formed a close friendship during Trump’s first administration. Takaichi is Abe’s protege. She shares his tough stance against China’s military buildup.
She thanked Trump for his “enduring friendship” with Abe, who was assassinated in 2022. Trump called Abe a “great friend” on the day the killer’s trial began. Trump added that Abe had praised Takaichi long before she became prime minister. Takaichi presented Trump with meaningful gifts. These included Abe’s putter in a glass case. A golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama was also presented.
Trade, Security, and North Korea Abductees
Their discussions focused on security and trade. Takaichi’s predecessor secured tariff concessions from the White House. This was in return for huge Japanese US investments. Japan plans to buy more US products. These include pickup trucks and soya beans. They seek further relief from Trump’s tariffs.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the “great deal” in a statement. They said the deal would boost economic security for both countries. It would also promote economic growth. This will then “continuously lead to global prosperity.”
Takaichi called the US-Japan security bond the “greatest alliance in the world.” She confirmed Japan is “ready to contribute to world peace and stability.”
They also met with families of citizens abducted by North Korean spies. This occurred during the cold war. Trump pledged his support to determine their fate. He promised to work for their return to Japan if they are alive. Sakie Yokota, 89, was one relative who met the leaders. She hoped Trump could secure the abductees’ release. She mentioned any future talks with Kim Jong-un. Yokota’s 13-year-old daughter was kidnapped in 1977. “It’s a critical moment,” she said. “We are getting old and this decades-old problem… is now in the hands of our children.”
Addressing US Troops
Trump later addressed 6,000 sailors aboard the USS George Washington. This nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is docked at Yokosuka naval base. His hour-long speech covered domestic US issues. He mentioned US border issues and inflation. He also spoke about deploying “more than the national guard” to “troubled” US cities.
Takaichi thanked the sailors for defending Japan and the region. She told them Tokyo is ready to “fundamentally reinforce” its defense. Japan will “contribute even more proactively to peace and stability.”
Trump had met Emperor Naruhito upon arrival. He welcomed Japan’s orders for US-made military hardware. Trump predicted the two economies would do “a lot of trade.” He congratulated Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first female prime minister. Trump called it a “big deal.” He said meeting her so soon was an honor. He predicted she would be one of the country’s “greatest prime ministers.”
“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump promised. “You’re going to do a fantastic job. We’re going to have a fantastic relationship.”
