As Japan’s ‘weak’ PM faces the Trump test, can Ishiba hold the line?

Ishiba’s visit from Friday comes with promises of trade deals, increased defence spending and an invitation for Trump to make a state visit to Japan later this year, but experts warn that Trump’s “America First” agenda is likely to overshadow any goodwill.

“Trump likes winners and strong leaders,” said Stephen Nagy, a professor of politics and international relations at Tokyo’s International Christian University. “He is going to find Ishiba underwhelming.”

Already viewed as a weak leader domestically, Ishiba faces mounting criticism that he lacks the political clout to counter Trump’s aggressive protectionist policies. “Ishiba has no political capital in the US, where he is seen as a leader on the way out,” Nagy added. “I’m not at all confident that Ishiba is equipped to face Trump.”