DeSantis, an Enigma on Foreign Policy, Praises U.S.-Japan Ties in Tokyo (www.nytimes.com)

On his first overseas trip since 2019, Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida and presumptive Republican presidential candidate, met with the Japanese prime minister on Monday and said he hoped the United States would stand by Japan every step of the way as it bolstered its defenses to meet rising challenges from North Korea and China.

Im a big supporter of the U.S. Japan alliance, Mr.

Trump attacked Japan over its trade policy and accused it of exploiting its military alliance with the United States to protect itself at low risk and minimal cost.

Mr.

DeSantis, standing beside his wife, Casey DeSantis, said in brief remarks to reporters in Tokyo after a 30minute meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. I think Japans been a heck of an ally for our country, and I think a strong Japan is good for America, and I think a strong America is good for Japan.

Mr.