Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe could find his oft-touted close ties with Donald Trump sorely tested at a summit this week in which Tokyo fears the US leader will to try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Abe also wants Trump to bring up Japanese citizens kidnapped by Pyongyang long ago. “What Trump wants most is a ‘success story,’ and that means bringing Japan into bilateral economic talks,” the lawmaker said. But such a proposal would face headwinds if Trump insists on renegotiating the TPP or tries to push Tokyo into a two-way pact. Given Trump’s propensity for deal-making, diplomatic experts advised Abe to steer clear of details at the summit.

Source: Egypt Independent April 16, 2018 05:26 UTC