G-20/JAPAN/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Although the US is often said to enjoy a ‘special relationship’ with the United Kingdom, in practical terms, our most important 21st-century ally is about 6,000 miles east of London. Given the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region, Japan, with the number three economy in the world and strategically located near China, North Korea and Russia is, to the United States, the ‘indispensable country.’ On Friday [4-26-19], Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrives in Washington to meet with President Donald Trump. This is not the first time Abe has met with Trump; the Prime Minister sat down with the President in November 2016, even before Trump took office. This week’s meeting will also not be the last one between the two leaders this year. Trump is scheduled to visit Japan at the end of next month, and is likely to return about a month later, when the G-20 meets in Osaka. Friday’s visit (followed by golf on Saturday) commences a crucial period for US-Japan relations. Over the coming months, both sides are going to be making decisions that will either strengthen or weaken this important alliance.”
–Paul Sracic, “Can Trump and Abe keep a critical alliance afloat?,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, April 25, 2019 8:20 pm