Japan's Abe seeks to showcase close U.S. ties on landmark visit

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By Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for White House talks on Tuesday to showcase newly strengthened defense ties and advance a long-delayed Pacific trade deal as the two allies seek to counter China’s rising influence in Asia. The official agenda is intended to highlight how times have changed for the former bitter World War Two enemies – even though some sticking points remain. When Obama and Abe meet, they will put their stamp on new guidelines for defense cooperation, a sign of Japan’s readiness to take more responsibility for its security. Though the White House has dashed hopes for a breakthrough trade deal during Abe’s visit, Obama’s aides say the leaders will take stock of “substantial progress” in negotiations and chart a path toward a major 12-nation Pacific trade pact.




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