US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen George Glass as the new US ambassador to Japan, Reuters reported. Glass, a former investment banker and diplomat, is well-known for his criticism of China and will take up his new position at a time of growing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, News.bg reports.
Professional background of George Glass
Glass is an Oregon businessman and founder of the investment bank Pacific Crest Securities, based in Portland. He was also a major fundraiser for Trump's 2024 re-election campaign. In 2015, he started a real estate business.
During the 2017-2021 period, Glass served as US Ambassador to Portugal, where he gained notoriety for his criticism of Chinese investment in strategic sectors in Portugal and for his opposition to what he called the “mishandling“ of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Problems in Japan-China relations
Glass's appointment as ambassador comes in the context of strained relations between Japan and China, including trade and territorial disputes. Japan hosts the largest US military presence abroad, including an aircraft carrier strike group stationed near China.
Japan's concerns about Trump's policies
Among Japan's concerns about a future Trump administration are whether he will demand Tokyo increase spending on US military bases in the country or whether he will take protectionist trade measures that could hurt Japanese companies.