US Treasury’s Bessent Calls Japan’s Takaichi a ‘Great Ally’

Reuters

13:16 JST, February 9, 2026

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as a great ally after her ruling coalition’s landslide election victory on Sunday, noting her endorsement by President Donald Trump.

“She is a great ally, great relationship with the president,” Bessent said in an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” program. “And when Japan is strong, the U.S. is strong in Asia.”