US and Japan forge stronger alliances

US President Donald Trump is on a visit to Japan, where he met with newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, highlighting strengthened security and trade ties. He approved Japan’s long-awaited missile order for F-35 fighter jets and praised Takaichi’s pledge to increase military spending. The visit also saw a rare earths agreement signed to reduce reliance on China, with both leaders celebrating a ‘golden age’ in the Japan-US alliance.