News

Japan’s PM Takaichi courts Trump with trade offers

Japan’s new PM Takaichi to offer pickups and soybeans to Trump amid trade talks next week

Published

3 weeks ago

October 22, 2025

Ahron Young

Japan’s new PM Takaichi to offer pickups and soybeans to Trump amid trade talks next week

In Short:
– Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi will negotiate with Trump on pickups, soybeans, and natural gas next week.
– Takaichi won’t commit to new defence spending, focusing on strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and investment discussions.

Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump next week, aiming to present a package that includes U.S. pickups, soybeans, and natural gas.Takaichi’s administration will not commit to new defence spending at the meeting, despite U.S. pressure for Japan and allies to increase contributions. The meeting will take place during Trump’s first visit to Japan since his re-election, following a prior agreement for Japan to invest up to $550 billion in the U.S. in exchange for lower car tariffs.

The alliance with the U.S. is crucial to Japan’s foreign and security policy, according to Takaichi. A successful dialogue with Trump could strengthen her government, which operates with a parliamentary minority. Washington’s support is essential for Takaichi to advance her regional security agenda.

Diplomatic Details

Main initiatives include purchasing Ford F-150 pickup trucks, an idea suggested by Trump, and increasing U.S. soybean imports amidst declining exports to China. U.S. pickups are impractical for most Japanese consumers but may find utility in specific roles like snow plowing.

Japan plans to enhance its acquisition of U.S. liquefied natural gas, although it will not initially source from a Trump-favoured Alaskan pipeline. Investment discussions will accompany the trade talks, ensuring that Takaichi maintains commitments made by her predecessor.

In defence, Takaichi seeks to solidify ties with the U.S., with Japan housing a significant U.S. military presence. Japan’s defence strategy will undergo reviews to potentially accelerate military capabilities.

News

SoftBank sells Nvidia stake to fund massive AI push

SoftBank sells $5.8B Nvidia stake to invest in AI, sparking analysts’ views on Masayoshi Son’s bold gamble.

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

SoftBank sells $5.8B Nvidia stake to invest in AI, sparking analysts’ views on Masayoshi Son’s bold gamble.

SoftBank has sold its entire $5.8 billion Nvidia stake to double down on artificial intelligence, investing heavily in OpenAI and the colossal $500 billion Stargate data-centre project.

Analysts say it’s Masayoshi Son’s boldest tech gamble yet.

#SoftBank #Nvidia #OpenAI #AI #MasayoshiSon #Stargate #TechNews #Investing #DataCenters #ArtificialIntelligence

News

Senate passes deal to end historic shutdown

Senate passes spending bill to end shutdown, funding key departments and adding privacy safeguards with House and presidential support expected.

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2025

ticker NEWS

Senate passes spending bill to end shutdown, funding key departments and adding privacy safeguards with House and presidential support expected.

The U.S. Senate has approved a spending bill 60–40 to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, with House support and presidential backing expected.

The package funds key departments through January while adding new privacy safeguards for lawmakers.

#USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #SenateVote #Congress #Trump #MikeJohnson #Washington #USNews #FederalFunding #CapitolHill

News

Sussan Ley’s leadership tested amid net-zero debate

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces challenge as Liberal MPs debate net zero emissions policy amid divisions between moderates and conservatives

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces challenge as Liberal MPs debate net zero emissions policy amid divisions between moderates and conservatives

In Short:
– Sussan Ley’s leadership is questioned as the Liberal party debates net-zero emissions amidst internal divisions.
– Moderate MPs warn losing elections if net-zero is abandoned, highlighting urban voter support for a 2050 target.

Sussan Ley’s leadership faces scrutiny as the Liberal party debates a net-zero emissions target.

Conservative members argue she should abandon the goal to maintain her position, while moderates hope for a compromise that aligns with the Paris Agreement.

Leadership contenders like Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie support staying committed to the Paris Agreement, rejecting a net-zero commitment. Taylor indicated future leadership aspirations are not confirmed.

Pro-net-zero frontbencher Tim Wilson seeks decisive leadership to address the issue. Ley’s lack of internal guidance frustrates moderates, creating uncertainty regarding her stance on net-zero. While some conservatives advocate for its dismissal, others display mixed support.

Liberal party dynamics shift as polling reveals significant opposition to net-zero among constituents. The upcoming party room meeting and shadow ministers gathering will aim to finalise the Coalition’s position.

Internal Divisions

Moderate MPs warn that elections will be lost if net-zero is abandoned, emphasising its importance in urban areas.

A poll indicates strong support for a 2050 net-zero target among voters. Critics of the Nationals’ policy argue it is misguided and incompatible with national interests.

Calls for resignation from frontbench positions are met with opposition. Some representatives voiced frustration over the timing of the meeting, suggesting it should have been resolved earlier.