Tuesday, October 31, 2017, 12:00 - 13:30
"Trump’s Visit to Japan"
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
The FCCJ is inviting Fumiaki Kubo, University of Tokyo professor, to talk about the implications of the visit by US President Donald Trump to Japan.
Trump's visit is timely for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who gained a fresh mandate in the general election on October 22, promising to defend against escalating threats from North Korea--an area that Abe and Trump are apparently fully aligned.
The two frequently talk over the phone, especially regarding North Korean issues. The Wall Street Journal in August described Abe as being a loyal sidekick to Trump on North Korea.
Other main themes are likely to include "freedom of navigation" in the Pacific Ocean. William Hagerty, the US ambassador to Japan, told the Asahi Shimbun last week that a "free and open Indo-Pacific" will be a big topic.
This comment came as the Trump administration announced last week that Randall Schriver will be assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific affairs. Schriver is known as a Taiwan advocate, underscoring Trump's hard line stance against China's seaborne military assertiveness.
The two leaders are also likely to touch on trade issues, especially the trade deficit. The US deficit with Japan stands at around US$70 billion, the third biggest trade imbalance after China and Germany. It is likely that Trump will call upon Japanese companies for more direct investment in the United States.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). The charge for members/members' guest is 1,750/2,700 yen; non-members eligible to attend may pay in cash by e mail reservation (front@fccj.or.jp). Reservations canceled less than one hour in advance for working press members, and 24 hours for all others, will be charged in full. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. For meal service, please enter the room by 12:25.
*Working Pressは1時間、Associate, non-memberは24時間以内のキャンセルはフルチャージとなりますのでご注意ください。なおキャンセルは電話でのみ承ります。
Professional Activities Committee
