Japan's new PM arrives in US for Obama meeting
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has arrived in the United States for a White House meeting with President Obama.
Abe, who was elected in December, is seeking to reinforce the longstanding U.S.-Japan alliance at a time of high tension stoked by a Japan-China territorial dispute and a North Korean nuclear test.
He arrived at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington on Thursday. He meets Obama at the White House on Friday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}They will also discuss economic ties. The administration will be gauging Japan's intent to join a trans-Pacific trade agreement under negotiation.
Abe is a nationalist and wants to rebuild Japan's global standing, diminished by years of economic malaise.
He is the fifth Japanese prime minister during Obama's time in office.