President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Washington on Friday, where he cautioned that tariffs on Japanese products might be enforced if the trade deficit between the United States and Japan is not remedied.

During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump underscored the importance of "equality" in their trade relations.

Ishiba, the second foreign leader to meet with Trump since he resumed office, commended the president for his "undaunted presence," referring to last year's assassination attempt against him.

He highlighted Japan's position as the largest investor in the United States and assured that Japan would enhance its spending and defense acquisitions from the U.S. Trump also brought up the issue of Nippon Steel's halted takeover bid of US Steel, suggesting that the topic would be examined further.

Moreover, Trump remarked that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had shown "tremendous respect" for Ishiba.

A Japanese foreign ministry official in Tokyo indicated optimism about establishing a personal trust between the two leaders, which could strengthen economic and security collaboration.

This discussion occurs amid growing concerns regarding trade disparities and economic competition within the Asia-Pacific region.