Summit highlights Tokyo's dependence on Washington

Significance

The changing priorities of the Trump administration have put Japan's international strategy under stress. Japanese policymakers may seek to explore regional options to exert influence on Washington.

Impacts

• Scope for closer cooperation with China is limited by deep-rooted suspicion on both sides.
• Tokyo will also be lukewarm on regional economic initiatives that exclude Washington, given Beijing's leading role.
• Russia will be wary of the effect closer ties with Japan would have on its relationship with China.