Speaking at a PR Society of Japan meeting in New York, veteran journalist and international PR executive Jim Harff urged Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe to “not fall victim to the high-pressure deal making and blatant bullying for which Mr. Trump is well known” at this Friday’s Japan-U.S. summit.

Jim Harff speaking at PR Society of Japan meetingJim Harff speaks with 15 representatives of the PRSJ Feb. 6 in New York.

Harff, president and CEO of Global Communicators in Washington, D.C., is a former journalist, congressional chief of staff, and Ruder-Finn president of global affairs.

“As one of America’s closest friends and most reliable allies, as well as the nation with the third largest GDP in the world, Japan should exemplify confidence and strength in the face of Trump’s irresponsible and uninformed calls for cutting U.S. military support, defense spending, and trade relations with Japan,” Harff said.   “Mr. Abe should not seek to placate Mr. Trump with extorted promises and coercive actions that may impair Japan’s economy and security.”

Harff and GC VP Philippe Bartholin presented to the 15 members of PRSJ in attendance a critique of Trump’s foreign policy titled, “How to Lose Friends and Alienate Allies.”