Speaking of Asia

Suga's early signals hint at assertive Japan

His first major foreign policy initiative is an indicator of how he intends to manage Japan’s security interests

ST ILLUSTRATION: MIEL
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

History's wheels turn, and turn again. Four years ago, Mr Donald Trump's stunning success in ascending to the presidency of the United States led then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to scramble a meeting with the President-elect in New York's Trump Tower - an early encounter that would eventually produce solid results for Japan over the President's four years in office.

Now, just when Asia thought it finally had the measure of the man, and he, theirs, Mr Trump is wobbling on his White House perch.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.