00:00It's cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C., a sign of spring's return to the U.S.
00:06Capitol for over a century.
00:08The trees, gifts from Japan, have begun to bloom this year at an important juncture in
00:12U.S.-Japan relations, with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in town for talks
00:18with U.S. President Donald Trump.
00:20She has the challenge of securing Japan's interests in a world that's grown more unpredictable,
00:25even in just the past few weeks.
00:27But she's come prepared.
00:30Analysts say one big concern is Japan's big neighbor, China, a country Tokyo eyes warily.
00:35Beijing is especially angry at her.
00:38Xi has said Japan may need to intervene if China tries to enforce its claim over Taiwan
00:42with military action.
00:46Trump is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping, though a month and a half later
00:50than first planned.
00:51And Takaichi wants the last word in Trump's ear before the trip.
00:55Though the U.S. is Japan's security guarantor, this is the era of America first, where old
01:01certainties can no longer be taken for granted.
01:04The two sides say they remain committed to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
01:09Picking up the U.S.-China relationship, my sincere hope is that the relationship will be something
01:15conducive for our regional security and also ensuring the global supply chain in the world.
01:21Once again, I would like to reinstate that Japan has been consistently open to a dialogue with China.
01:27But the Iran war has presented a new challenge to U.S.-Japan ties.
01:32And for this, Takaichi has had less time to prepare.
01:35Trump has urged Tokyo to help end an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,
01:40a critical oil shipping lane.
01:42Japan's pacifist constitution limits its options.
01:45But there are ways it could still contribute.
02:10But Trump seems satisfied with what he's heard from Japan so far.
02:14That includes a condemnation of Iran's blockade and still vague promises from Japan and others
02:19to help ensure safe passage through the Strait.
02:22We've had tremendous support and relationship with Japan on everything.
02:26And I believe that based on statements that were given to us yesterday,
02:31the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate. Yes.
02:38There was a moment of tension when Trump compared his strikes on Iran
02:42with Japan's surprise attack on the U.S. that brought the U.S. into the Pacific War.
02:47Well, one thing you don't want to signal too much.
02:50You know, when we go in, we went in very hard.
02:53And we didn't tell anybody about it because we wanted surprise.
02:57Who knows better about surprise than Japan?
03:00Okay? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?
03:05But it was all smiles at a dinner gala as the two leaders proclaimed their nation's friendship.
03:11Japan is even making a new gift of cherry trees to the U.S.
03:15As Takaichi prepares to leave Washington on Friday, she leaves this message.
03:21A stronger Japan and a stronger America. A more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America.
03:29I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to share this goal.
03:34Takaichi's last meeting with Trump in October was a cordial success,
03:38with the two sides reaching agreements on critical minerals, energy, and shipbuilding.
03:43As Trump continues to wage war on Iran and prepares to meet China's president,
03:47it will become apparent whether this visit achieved Japan's aims too.
03:52Devin Tsai and John Van Trieste for Taiwan Plus.
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