During Mr. Trump’s first 100 days, the administration upgraded the status of U.S. forces in Japan, approved equipment sales for a Japanese hypersonic-missile program and explored joint production of dual-use ships…. Trade and investment, however, have become a sore spot.
A big swing on trade and technology with Japan would reward an ally that is investing aggressively in its own defense and has as much to offer the U.S. as we can offer it. It could also set the gold standard for trade deals with other countries, allowing the Trump administration to transform tactical disagreements with allies over tariffs into a strategic coalition to counter Chinese economic warfare.