Japan says it plans to tell Trump it will build up military and upgrade security strategy

Japan’s new foreign minister said his country plans to show its determination to further build up its defense to rapidly adapt to changing warfare realities when President Donald Trump visits Tokyo next week.

TOKYO — Japan’s new foreign minister said Wednesday that his country plans to show its determination to further build up its defense to rapidly adapt to changing warfare realities and growing tension in the region when President Donald Trump visits Tokyo next week.

Trump is expected to hold talks next Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office Tuesday after being elected as Japan’s first female leader.

Takaichi, who had spent much of the past few weeks embroiled in internal political wrangling, has to face major diplomatic tests within days of taking office — Trump and two regional summits.

“We are firmly preparing for President Trump’s visit,” Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said.

Motegi said he hoped Trump’s first meeting with Takaichi during his Oct. 27-29 visit would serve as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss further strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance while fostering their personal relationship of trust.