Japan still seeking US protection while quietly staking its own path

Tokyo

PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan has never seemed to waver in his support for President Donald Trump, seeking out meetings and regularly speaking by telephone. He is one of a few world leaders who rarely criticise or even comment on Mr Trump's political turmoil at home.

That approach, as much as a personal relationship, reflects Japan's keen awareness that it needs the United States as its primary protector in a volatile region.

But amid public proclamations that appear to show little difference be…