WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) President Donald Trump is playing host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week amid growing strain between the countries over the presidents planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the push for new tariffs.
The visit gives the leaders an opportunity to discuss Trumps upcoming summit with North Korea, which Japan eyes warily. It will also serve as a test of whether the fond personal relationship the two leaders have forged on the golf course and over meetings and phone calls has chilled following Trumps recent moves, including failure to exempt Japan from new steel and aluminum tariffs.
Trump welcomed the two days of meetings. I am in Florida and looking forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Abe of Japan. Working on Trade and Military Security, he tweeted today.