Japan's Prime Minister Skips NATO Summit Amid Meeting Uncertainties

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to skip the NATO summit in The Hague due to uncertainties in meetings with the IP-4 nations and U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korea and Australia also plan to abstain, with Japan being represented by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya instead.

In a turn of events, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to forgo the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. Reports indicate that the decision stems from uncertainties surrounding a potential meeting involving the Indo-Pacific nations and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The group, known as the IP-4 and comprising Japan, the U.S., South Korea, and Australia, has faced challenges in scheduling a pivotal meeting. Consequently, leaders from South Korea and Australia have also withdrawn their attendance from the summit.

In place of Prime Minister Ishiba, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will step in as Japan's representative. The source of this information chose to remain anonymous, as the details are yet to be publicly disclosed.

(With inputs from agencies.)