PM of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, held first talks over the phone. (Image via Kyodo News)

Trump congratulates Suga; hopes for an open 'Indo-Pacific' deal

On Sunday, the President of the United States (U.S), Donald Trump, congratulated the new Prime Minister (PM) of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, through the phone call and wished for a deeper relationship between the two countries to strengthen the global economy. Moreover, Trump also stated that Japan and the U.S share the same vision and should discuss a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region which is being dominated by China.

Suga and Trump conversed for around 25 minutes. Not only the territorial dispute and bilateral relations, but both country leaders also discussed other important matters such as the U.S's supports to assist Japan in repatriating its kidnapped nationals in North Korea (N. Korea).

Currently, China is facing a territorial dispute over islands in the South China Sea with Japan and Vietnam. Concern grew as China is expanding its military forces in the region. The U.S then vowed that it would stand with its allies against the Chinese. Suga saw the alliance with the U.S as the main element to realize peace and stability within the heating region.

Suga, elected last Wednesday, stated that he would pursue more stable relations between Japan and its allies, including the U.S, Russia, and China. Moreover, Suga also promised that he would carry on the "Abenomics" policies, the legacy of the previous PM, Shinzo Abe, to guide Japan back on the right track.

Source: https://bit.ly/3hLbmE5