Takaichi Leaves DC With a Tightrope Walk Between US Alliance, China, and Iran War

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s DC visit with Trump blended warmth with strategy: she sought reassurances on the US-Japan security‑economic partnership while navigating Tokyo’s limits and China tensions, and Trump pressed for Japan’s help in the Hormuz crisis. With widespread domestic opposition to any Iran war and Japan’s legal constraints, deployment is unlikely, pushing Tokyo toward diplomacy. The piece argues she should push for a quicker end to the Iran conflict and pursue proactive engagement with China (including Taiwan policy clarity) ahead of the 2026 APEC summit to elevate Japan’s global stature without triggering an arms race.