PM Shigeru Ishiba seeks to reassure Washington of Tokyo’s commitment to the US-Japan alliance and its presence in the region, amid concerns over China’s influence.

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors focused on tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump on Mexico and Canada, the two largest suppliers of crude to the United States. Brent crude futures were down 10 cents at $76.

Oil prices slipped for a second day on Thursday after U.S. crude stockpiles rose more than expected, though attention remained on tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump on Mexico and Canada,

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, struggling to stabilize his minority government, said Friday he will seek to maintain regional security and prepare for tough negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump to win his commitment to maintain a strong American presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Markets were cautiously optmistic after Trump took a lighter approach to China on Monday. That sentiment lasted a day.

Asian stocks were mixed on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump's latest comments on tariffs raised uncertainty in Chinese markets. Investors in Asia were relieved on Monday after Trump decided not to immediately impose significant tariffs on China.

Global stocks eased on Thursday, halting a rally sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's mammoth spending plans for artificial intelligence infrastructure as some of that excitement fizzled out, though Chinese shares fared better on Beijing's support.

Asian stocks ended mixed on Wednesday, with Chinese and Hong Kong markets falling sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump

Most Asian markets extended a global rally Wednesday as investors gave a cautious welcome to Donald Trump's first full day in office amid hopes he will take a more cautious

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as markets braced for threatened tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump on Mexico and Canada, the two largest suppliers of crude oil to United States, and awaited a meeting of OPEC+ producers.

Oil prices steadied on Wednesday as investors weighed the impact of potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, while largely shrugging off an increase in U.S. weekly crude inventory. Brent crude futures fell 2 cents to $77.

Asia Market Update: Nasdaq FUTs supported by SoftBank/OpenAI news; Large-cap tech earnings also in focus; Yen firms ahead of Himino, Fed decision was earlier; Tokyo CPI due on Fri. - SoftBank Group: Said to be in talks to invest up to $25.0B into OpenAI; the investment plan is said to be 'on top of' the Stargate commitment - FT.