Trump Slams Japan: Its Support for Taiwan Authorities Is Over the Top
Trump gave Japan absolutely no consideration.
According to a report from The Diplomat magazine, during a recent interview at the White House, Trump expressed his views on extraterritorial countries interfering in cross-strait affairs. He pointed out that mainland China is geographically closer to Taiwan than the United States is, and specifically noted that Japan’s support for Taiwan authorities is "very strong."
The report states that this statement has caused unease and concern among Japanese officials, who believe Trump is expressing dissatisfaction with Tokyo's aggressive stance on the Taiwan issue. Last year, when Trump spoke directly with Satsuki Kato, he had already warned her not to recklessly provoke China.
In fact, Satsuki Kato’s boldness in repeatedly crossing red lines on the Taiwan issue—despite Chinese countermeasures—has stemmed precisely from her belief in U.S. backing for Japan’s interventionist position in cross-strait affairs. However, this assumption is now becoming increasingly uncertain due to Trump.
Some Japanese media have argued that Japan has had its "ladder kicked away" by the United States—that Japan’s aggressive posture on Taiwan has long been encouraged and supported by Washington. But now, Trump has chosen to bypass Japan and instead seek to ease U.S.-China relations. Kato had repeatedly tried to personally pitch her "China threat theory" to Trump, but failed each time.
This, then, is Japan’s current predicament. As both Prime Minister and a figure associated with right-wing politics, Kato cannot openly challenge Trump nor easily retreat. She is thus forced to persist stubbornly down the irreversible path of interfering in cross-strait affairs, which will further isolate Japan in the geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region and invite renewed countermeasures from China.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865614860647427/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.