Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim expresses hopes Takaichi’s leadership will ‘bring new energy’ to ASEAN-Japan ties - Anadolu Ajansı

Asian shares rallied and U.S. futures jumped Monday, with Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 topping 50,000 for the first time. Work on trade deals that might alleviate friction between the U.S., China and other major trading partners contributed to upbeat sentiment as U.

Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu has appealed for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific at the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus Japan, China, and South Korea.

China has called on its neighbours Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries to make greater efforts in science and technology, including carrying out joint scientific and technological research, according to the official Xinhua.

It’s a busy time for diplomacy and deals in Asia. President Donald Trump hailed the US’s alliance with Japan and praised new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her plans to ratchet up defense spending as the pair met in Tokyo.

Having become one of the most important destinations of direct investment, the ASEAN market keeps growing. This year marks the 40th anniversary of friendship between ASEAN and Japan, and the two parties will surely continue to strengthen their connections.

Follow live updates as President Donald Trump visits Japan and meets with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as part of his weeklong trip to Asia.

President Trump told reporters as he flew into Japan that he expects to have a trade agreement with China finalized by the end of his tour of Asia.

New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday stressed the importance of realising a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision conceived by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during her meeting with leaders from Asean.