Theresa May Sends A Strong Political Message With Her Japan Wardrobe Choice

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by Anna Brech |
Published on

More than any other Prime Minister before her, Theresa May has been objectified on the basis of the clothes she wears.

It's a weird old world where column inches devoted to a leader's leopard-print heels almost outweigh those that question her policies.

But the PM put that fashion scrutiny to good use on a state visit to Japan today, by showcasing her solidarity with the country in wake of a missile threat from North Korea.

May chose an ensemble in bold red and white - the colours of Japan's national flag - as she met with her counterpart, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, in Kyoto.

Their union comes amid heightened security in Japan, after authorities in North Korea fired a missile over Japan's northern Hokkaido island in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

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Prime Minister Theresa May and Japanese PM Shinzō Abe at a tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, today ©Rex

The incident sparked public alerts to take cover before the missile crashed into the sea.

Abe described the act of aggression as an "unprecedented" threat to his country, while May branded it "outrageous" and "a provocation".

Speaking to reporters on her plane en route to Kyoto this morning, May urged China to do more in curbing North Korea's military ambitions. She said China had a "key role" to play in defusing tensions in the region.

North Korea has hinted at more launches, describing the missile fired this week as "the first step" of its military operations in the Pacific.

May's trip to Japan lasts three days, during which time she will discuss the possibility of a post-Brexit trade deal, as well as the current security threat.

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