By dispatching its foreign minister to the event, Tokyo seems intent on asserting its influence - and avoiding being upstaged by Beijing In a gesture heavy with symbolism, strategy and no small measure of urgency,

Japan's foreign minister said on Friday he would highlight the economic and national security value that the United States' key Asian ally offers during his visit to Washington for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.

Analysts say Beijing is trying to test Washington’s alliance with Japan and the EU ahead of Trump’s return to the White House