President Donald Trump hailed the US’s alliance with Japan, reaffirming ties with a longstanding partner and praising new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her plans to ratchet up defence spending as the pair met in Tokyo.

“I want to just let you know anytime you have any questions, any doubt, anything you want, any favours you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”

Trump also offered optimism that the two sides had overcome their trade disputes.

“We’re going to do tremendous trade together, I think, more than ever before,” Trump said, adding that he hoped the US-Japan relationship would be “stronger than ever before.”

The meeting is a high-stakes test for Takaichi, who was elected Japan’s first female prime ministe

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