Former Japanese Prime Minister and senior figure in the ruling party Taro Aso is set to meet with Donald Trump, representing Japan's proactive approach in connecting with the Republican presidential candidate before the U.S. election. This meeting is a part of Japan's broader strategy to establish ties with individuals close to Trump amid worries that a potential Trump victory could lead to protectionist trade policies or affect the strong U.S.-Japan alliance, as seen with the recent military cooperation plans between U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Taro Aso, who is currently the vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party and a former prime minister, has been chosen as a key figure to engage with Trump due to his longstanding experience in shaping U.S.-Japan relations, as well as for his ties to the Abe-Trump era. Aso's involvement not only harkens back to the close relationship between former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump during the Abe administration but also provides expertise on the evolution of U.S.-Japan relations over the years. Japan's efforts to solidify connections with Trump and his allies has involved deploying emissaries, such as Sunao Takao, who served as Abe's interpreter, to engage with key figures in Trump-associated circles and think tanks.
The upcoming meeting between Aso and Trump follows other recent international engagements by the former U.S. President, including discussions with Polish President Andrzej Duda and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, highlighting a trend of foreign leaders seeking to reconnect with Trump as the U.S. election approaches. The Trump campaign has emphasized Trump's leadership in promoting global security and protecting American interests from perceived unfair trade practices, positioning him as a candidate who can maintain stability and safeguard alliances.