DPRK, trade top Trump’s agenda in Japan

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US President Donald Trump wrapped up the first leg of his five-nation Asia tour by highlighting US-Japan ties and his close personal relationship with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He also pushed for more balanced trade and a united front against Pyongyang.

As expected, DPRK’s missile and nuclear development dominated talks between Trump and Abe, with the Japanese prime minister saying both countries are committed to jointly resolving the "threat".

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attend a state dinner in Tokyo, November 6, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"We will shoot it down if and when necessary,” he said. “In any case, Japan and the United States will coordinate closely when the time comes.”

Further, Abe said he will announce further sanctions by freezing assets of 35 DPRK groups and individuals.

Though united, Trump did not forget America’s interests. He said the “era of strategic patience” is over and that he expects Japan to purchase “massive amounts” of military equipment from the US.

The two leaders agreed to continue to place pressure on the DPRK, but on trade issues the pressure is on Shinzo Abe.

Trump asked Japan to open up for more “fair trade” and reduce America’s trade deficit.

"As a president of the United States, I am committed to achieving a fair, free, and reciprocal trading relationship,” Trump said.

“We seek equal and reliable access for American exports to Japan’s market in order to eliminate our chronic trade imbalances and deficits with Japan.”

US President Donald Trump talks with Japan's Emperor Akihito while his wife Melania talks with Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, November 6, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"Fair, free and reciprocal trade” would likely put pressure on Japan’s auto and agriculture sectors and Tokyo could struggle to defend its turf against Trump’s ‘America First’ policy.

Trump put it this way: “The Japanese people are thriving, your cities are vibrant and you’ve built one of the world’s most powerful economies. I don’t know if it’s as good as ours, I think not… And we’re going to try and keep it that way but you’ll be second.”

Trump heads to Seoul on Tuesday, where he’ll further discuss the tensions on the Korean Peninsula with President Moon Jae-in.

Trade negotiations with Japan will now be in the hands of Vice-President Mike Pence and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso.