Japan’s new leader says he wants to build trust relationship with Obama, see economy improve

Japan’s new PM wants to build trust with Obama

TOKYO — Japan’s new prime minister says he wants to build a relationship of trust with President Barack Obama, but has no intention to back down on plans to push for a review of the U.S. military presence here.

Yukio Hatoyama also said he wants to see quick improvements in Japan’s struggling economy.

Hatoyama has said he wants to build a foreign policy that will put Tokyo on a more equal footing with Washington. He is also seeking closer ties with Asian neighbors, particularly China.

Speaking at a press conference after he was elected prime minister Wednesday, he said: “I would like to build a relationship of trust with President Obama. In order to deepen our trust, it would be most important for us to exchange views frankly. That’s the first step.”