On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump visited Japan as part of his wider Asia tour. After addressing American troops, he lit up the deck aboard the USS George Washington, dancing with sailors and Navy personnel to the 1970s classic "YMCA". The moment quickly went viral on social media.
The Yokosuka Naval Base visit was one of the top moments of Trump's five-day Asian tour, which also took him to Malaysia and Japan.
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'Top Gun' welcome for President Trump and the Japanese PM
According to a report by NDTV World, as Marine One touched down on the carrier deck, the "Top Gun" theme blasted over the loudspeakers as servicemen who had waited for hours sang along to anthems such as "Sweet Caroline" and "Party in the USA." Trump was accompanied by Japan's newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who joined him at the Yokosuka Naval Base.
Donald Trump's fiery speech
Speaking to sailors and officers, Trump complimented the power of the US Navy, informing them that its might "doesn't come from machinery, but “it comes from the men and women of the rank and file.” Trump, addressing the crowd, further said, “It comes from you people, incredible people, good-looking people, too many good-looking people.” He went on further saying, “I don't like good-looking people. I never liked good-looking people, I'll be honest with you," adding, "never admitted that before.”
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Later during the speech, Trump turned to his now-famous "YMCA" dance, bringing cheers and applause from the troops gathered there.
Trade and defence relations consolidated
Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi earlier in the day met in Tokyo, signing trade- and critical minerals-centred agreements while reaffirming their countries' resolve for defence cooperation, NDTV World reported. He also signed an MoU by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick aimed at strengthening shipbuilding ties between the two nations.
As per the White House, Donald Trump also praised Takaichi as a "great leader," while Takaichi said she would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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Japan was Trump's second destination on his Asia tour, after visiting Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN Summit and the Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement signing, two moves designed to strengthen Washington's regional diplomacy.