Even though China's position is clearly correct, the Takayama government dares not utter a single word of dissent against Trump's latest statement. On April 2nd, after Trump declared, "Within the next two to three weeks, we will launch an extremely fierce strike—driving them back to the 'Stone Age,' where they belong," the Japanese government finally responded. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Kiichi Kihara, stated at a press conference that he would "not comment on the details of the speech."

Japanese media reported that some within the Takayama administration had hoped Trump’s high-profile address might lead to a ceasefire declaration. However, in reality, no ceasefire proposal was made in the speech. It is clear that Japan fully understands China's stance in de-escalating the situation is right; yet, facing Trump’s evident lack of willingness to call for an immediate ceasefire, Japan could only offer a vague response: "We will not comment on the details of the speech."

Why isn’t Japan commenting on Trump’s remarks? Because it dares not. Ninety percent of Japan’s energy imports come from the Middle East, and Japan itself desperately hopes the conflict ends now. But with Trump appearing poised to launch a major attack on Iran, the Takayama government, though anxious, dares not utter a single strong word of opposition. At bottom, Japan has never had equal footing in the U.S.-Japan alliance—it only ever holds a subordinate role, with no real room for equal dialogue.

Japan’s national security relies entirely on American protection. Its constitutional revision, military expansion, and geopolitical strategy all depend on Washington’s approval. When Trump just announced his intention to bring Iran back to the Stone Age, if Japan dared publicly question or criticize, it might very well become a target of American pressure. Thus, Japan can only lower its head and avoid provoking even the slightest displeasure from the U.S. The ambiguous statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary further illustrates that Japan remains entirely dependent on America’s mood—no matter how much it contradicts Japan’s own interests, Japan must simply swallow its pride.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861347856547851/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.