Topline
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Monday, in what is the first leg of a multi-nation tour, which is being viewed as an attempt by DeSantis to shore up his foreign policy credentials ahead of making a formal bid for the GOP nomination for the 2024 election.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (C) introduces his wife Casey (L) to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio … [+]
Key Facts
In his meeting with Kishida, DeSantis praised Japan’s decision to bolster its military in the face of growing threats from China and North Korea, saying a “strong Japan is good for America.”
Calling himself a “big supporter” of the U.S.-Japan alliance, DeSantis told reporters in Tokyo that he thinks “Japan’s been a heck of an ally for our country.”
The Japanese Foreign Ministry labeled the meeting between the two leaders as a “courtesy call,” adding that Kishida welcomed DeSantis on his first visit to the country and hoped it would further strengthen U.S.-Japan ties.
The visit to Japan is the first leg of DeSantis’ globe-trotting tour, which also includes planned visits to South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom.
DeSantis’s office previously said the foreign tour is part of a trade mission led by the Florida governor.
News Peg
DeSantis’ comments are a strong contrast from the approach taken by former President Donald Trump—his chief rival if DeSantis chooses to run for the GOP 2024 nomination. During his term, Trump repeatedly antagonized Japan by accusing it of taking advantage of the U.S. on both defense and trade.
Key Background
DeSantis’ foreign tour also offers a chance for him to outline his stance on key foreign policy issues, something that has largely remained unknown so far, ahead of a potential 2024 bid. When probed about his stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by Fox News’ Tucker Carlson last month, DeSantis said protecting Ukraine was not a vital U.S. interest, as he referred to the invasion as a “territorial dispute” between Moscow and Kyiv. The foreign visit also may help DeSantis recalibrate his potential campaign which has run into some challenges in the past few days, as a large number of Florida GOP lawmakers have rallied behind Trump. The Florida governor has also come under repeated scathing attacks from his chief rival, who has even implored him not to run.
Big Number
26.2%. That is the percentage of national voters who would vote for DeSantis in a primary according to an aggregate of multiple national polls published by FiveThirtyEight earlier this month. Trump in comparison is at 49.3%. A national poll for the GOP primary, however, may not reflect the best picture as voting takes place across several states over multiple months, and candidates may see their numbers get bolstered as others drop out of the race.
Further Reading
Likely U.S. presidential hopeful DeSantis meets Japan’s Kishida (Nikkei Asia)
DeSantis praises ‘strong Japan’ military build-up in PM Kishida meeting (Reuters)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/04/24/desantis-meets-japans-kishida-in-tokyo-as-he-looks-to-boost-foreign-policy-credentials-ahead-of-2024-bid/