Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and praised Japan’s efforts to increase defense spending. DeSantis is a potential Republican candidate for the US presidential election but has not yet announced his candidacy. He is on a four-nation trip to Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Israel.
DeSantis’s visit to Japan shows that he is interested in building alliances with US allies and is keenly interested in US foreign policy. He applauded Japan’s efforts to strengthen their defenses and said that a strong Japan is good for America and vice versa.
DeSantis faced severe backlash for his comments on the Ukraine war, which he referred to as a territorial dispute between Russians and Ukrainians. This visit could also be a form of damage control.
DeSantis will also visit South Korea, United Kingdom, and Israel but will not meet with their heads of state. This signals Japan’s interest in building a relationship with the potential Republican candidate for the US presidential election.
Another potential candidate, Glenn Youngkin, governor of Virginia, will also visit Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to promote business opportunities.
DeSantis remains tight-lipped about his plans to run for the presidency. When asked if he will declare his candidacy, he dodged the question.
