How Shinzo Abe saved the Japan-U.S. alliance from collapse

Maintaining strong ties should serve as a lesson for the country's leaders

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017. Abe met Trump 14 times when he led Japan, helping to bolster bilateral relations. © Kyodo

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

July 14, 2022 19:17 JST

TOKYO -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's contribution to diplomacy and security cannot be underestimated. While having significantly reinforced the Japan-U.S. alliance, his Indo-Pacific initiative has prompted major nations to rethink their geopolitical strategies.