Trump Endorses Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi Ahead Of Sunday Election

Tokyo: U.S. President Donald Trump gave his “total endorsement” of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of a national election in Japan on Sunday, adding he looked forward to hosting her at the White House next month. Japan’s first female premier, a conservative who said she draws inspiration from Britain’s “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher, was already expected to deliver a solid win for her ruling coalition, according to opinion polls. She is seeking a public mandate for spending plans that have rattled investors, and a defence build-up that could further strain relations with China. Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its partner,…