PM Shigeru Ishiba seeks to reassure Washington of Tokyo’s commitment to the US-Japan alliance and its presence in the region, amid concerns over China’s influence.

China remains Japan's largest trading partner, with over 13,000 Japanese companies operating in the country. Iwaya emphasized Japan's desire to advance its relationship with China in a constructive manner and promote people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

As conservatives urge Shigeru Ishiba to follow the late Shinzo Abe’s lead, moderates warn against alienating Japan’s neighbours.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told the Lower House Budget Committee on Friday that, when he meets with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 7, he will get confirmation that Japan’s security treaty with the United States covers the defense of the Senkaku Islands, which are also claimed by China.

Japan will promote communication with China,' says Ishiba as millions celebrate Chinese New Year - Anadolu Ajansı

Japan’s leader is finally set to meet Trump, three months after the US president’s election victory. Why has he spent that time cozying up to China instead?

The first sign of improving Japan–China relations during the summit was the behaviour of the two leaders. Both Prime Minister Ishiba and President Xi appeared conciliatory in their public interactions. Xi’s cordial approach reflects China’s shift to smile diplomacy instead of its hard-line wolf warrior approach of the past.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is working to stabilize his government and strengthen Japan-US ties. Amid regional security concerns and China's growing influence, Ishiba plans to meet with US President Trump.

Japan will draw up a basic plan underpinning the development and use of artificial intelligence by addressing security concerns, Prim

TOKYO, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday expressed concern over the United States' decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), Jiji Press reported.

Japan's concerns over a potential U.S. retreat from the region have grown amid China's increasingly assertive military posture.