EXPOSED: Japan PM, Trump sign rare earths and missiles deals

US President Donald Trump and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised one another profusely on Tuesday, trumpeting a “new golden age” in relations between their respective nations before signing a number of key agreements.

Trump assured Takaichi that Washington would remain an ally of “the strongest level” after the two signed a deal for the purchase of tactical missiles for Japan’s US-made F-35 fighter jets.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also reportedly signed by both sides for the construction of new ships. Though China currently out produces the US in the sector, Trump has promised a turnaround.

Just as importantly, the two inked a deal designed specifically for “achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains” in response to a recent announcement by China that it will restrict the export of such key natural resources.

Japan’s new PM plays to Trump’s ego, pitches Nobel nomination

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Takaichi met Trump in Tokyo on Tuesday, where the two discussed economic and security issues.

“In such a short period of time the world started to enjoy more peace,” Takaichi told reporters through an interpreter. “I myself was so impressed and inspired by you Mr. President.”

Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize

Since his return to power in January, Trump has been increasingly focused on the Nobel Peace Prize. He has claimed to have ended several conflicts around the world.

Experts, however, contest his claims.

Many world leaders and lawmakers are adopting a new tactic to stay in Trump’s good graces — praising his peace efforts and nominating him for the Peace Prize.

Among the world leaders that have nominated him for the prestigious award is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said it would be “well deserved.”

In July, Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema referred to the United States’ role in mediating an agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to end a bloody conflict. He said Trump “is now bringing peace back to a region where that was never possible so I believe that he does deserve a Nobel Peace Prize. That is my opinion.”

On Monday, Trump also was nominated on his Asia trip by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The only US presidents who have been recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize are Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.

Trump meets families of Japanese abducted by North Korea decades ago

Meanwhile, Trump met Tuesday with families of Japanese abducted by North Korea decades ago and said “the US is with them all the way” as they asked for help to find their relatives.

After years of denial, North Korea admitted in 2002 that it had sent agents to kidnap 13 Japanese people who were used to train spies in Japanese language and customs.

The comments came ahead of a mooted meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the US president heads to South Korea on the next leg of his tour of Asia.