Don: We will defend Japan
President Trump pledged the US would defend Japan “and all areas under its administrative control” during a White House visit Friday by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“The bond between our two nations and the friendship between our two peoples runs very, very deep,” Trump said at a news conference.
“This administration is committed to bringing those ties even closer. We are committed to the security of Japan and all areas under its administrative control and to further strengthening our very crucial alliance.”
The two leaders and their wives later hopped aboard Air Force One for a working weekend — and some golf — at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla.
“My score in golf is not up to the level of Donald at all, but my policy is never up, never in. Always aiming for the cup, never to just the goal with the shortcuts and short chops,” Abe said. “Those are the words never found in my dictionary, but in a relaxed atmosphere. I hope to take time to discuss with Donald on the future of the world, future of the region, and future of Japan and the United States.”
The weekend will provide a chance for Trump to start hammering out a trade deal with Japan after pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pact negotiated by the Obama administration with 11 Pacific Rim nations.
Abe refused to criticize the TPP withdrawal or say whether it had weakened the US’s standing in Asia.
“Of course, we are fully aware of President Trump’s decision,” he said.
The White House said Trump will personally cover the expenses for his and Abe’s visit to Mar-a-Lago where the two leaders had dinner with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“We have a very, very good bond — very, very good chemistry,” Trump said. “I’ll let you know if it changes, but I don’t think it will.”