FOCUS: Iran war complicates Japan's task of keeping U.S. focused on Indo-Pacific

WASHINGTON - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as having a "very fine relationship" with him at summit talks Thursday, wants to keep Washington focused on the Indo-Pacific region with China in mind, but the war in Iran is complicating that effort, diplomacy experts say.

It was crucial for Takaichi to shape the president's approach towards Beijing in Tokyo's favor ahead of his upcoming visit to China for talks with President Xi Jinping, originally slated from the end of this month but postponed due to the Middle East conflict.