Prime Minister Ishiba's Missed Opportunity
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's hopes for an early meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump were dashed, leaving him with a diplomatic setback. Ishiba, whose ruling party lost its majority in a recent election, had expressed expectations of a face-to-face meeting with Trump.
An early meeting seemed possible as Ishiba planned to travel to South America for international conferences and could have stopped in the United States on his return trip. However, the president-elect, busy with Cabinet selections, declined the meeting.
Ishiba's pursuit of an early meeting was initially seen as a key diplomatic opportunity, inspired by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's success. In 2016, Abe quickly met with Trump after his election, establishing a close relationship that shaped Japan-U.S. ties.
Japanese officials were initially optimistic about a similar meeting between Ishiba and Trump. Ishiba proposed potential dates during a phone call to Trump after his victory, receiving a positive response. However, as Trump became occupied with his new administration, the prospects for an early meeting faded.
Ishiba received word from Trump's team that the meeting was unlikely, prompting officials to downplay the situation. However, a senior member of Ishiba's party criticized his optimism, stating that he lacked diplomatic judgment and raised expectations too high.
The government now focuses on rescheduling a meeting with Trump after his inauguration, but the timing may conflict with the upcoming Diet session.