Japanese PM preparing for tough negotiations with Trump

Mr Ishiba has been seeking to meet Mr Trump since his election victory in November and is arranging a trip to Washington in the coming weeks

Mr Ishiba is struggling to keep a minority government in control. Picture: AP

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he is preparing for tough negotiations with US President Donald Trump to win his commitment to maintain a strong American presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Mr Ishiba – who is struggling to stabilise his minority government – has been seeking to meet Mr Trump since his election victory in November and is arranging a trip to Washington in the coming weeks.