Japanese PM walking a thin line of diplomacy

Ishiba's balancing act toward China, US more complex than it appears: Analysts

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is carefully navigating a delicate balance between China and the United States, but experts question whether his approach will succeed.

Ishiba has indicated his next priority is a visit to China, with Japanese media reporting that he hopes to make the trip in May or June.

Simultaneously, his administration is working to arrange a potential visit by US President Donald Trump to Japan. According to The Yomiuri Shimbun, Ishiba stated on a Japanese TV program on Feb 9 that Trump may make an official visit during the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which runs from April to October.