Takaichi Says Trump Visit to Be ‘Extremely Difficult’ After Warship Spat

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned she’s facing an “extremely difficult” meeting with Donald Trump, after the US president criticized Japan for rebuffing his demand for warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi’s first trip to Washington on Thursday since winning a sweeping mandate had been viewed by Tokyo as an opportunity to showcase the strength of the US-Japan alliance, despite challenges over trade. Perhaps more importantly, it was seen as a chance to gain the president’s ear before his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.