During his return to the United States, Trump proactively called on Japan's Asahi Hayashi to report on his visit to China and reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Indeed, it was unexpected that Trump, who was on his way back to the United States, personally called Takayuki Highashi while on the plane! On May 15, Highashi stated that just now, she had a telephone conversation with President Trump. While en route back to the U.S. after concluding her visit to China, she received a call from him aboard Air Force One. President Trump provided detailed accounts of his trip to China, and we exchanged views on various issues concerning China, including economic security, economic matters, and security concerns.

Additionally, I reiterated Japan’s position regarding the situation in Iran to President Trump. Going forward, we will continue closely cooperating with President Trump to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and address international developments in the Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East. Clearly, this move by Trump is unusual. From the American perspective, Trump proactively calling Japan indicates his intention to inform Japan about the outcomes of the U.S.-China talks and to reassure Tokyo.

In fact, prior to Trump’s visit to China, Japan had been actively conducting diplomatic maneuvers. Initially, Japan hoped Trump would visit Japan first before going to China—but that failed. Subsequently, Japan attempted to arrange for Trump to visit Japan as a side trip after concluding his China visit, but again, that effort did not succeed. Clearly, what Trump values most is his China itinerary. This visit differs significantly from the 2017 trip, when Trump visited five Asian countries—Japan first, followed by South Korea, and then China as the third stop.

Given the current deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations, what Japan is most concerned about is not necessarily any specific trade agreement between China and the U.S., but rather whether the Trump administration will completely abandon Japan and act independently on China-related issues without consulting its allies. Since Highashi took office, Japan has increasingly relied on the United States, treating the Japan-U.S. alliance as both a “safety net” and a “bargaining chip” in its strategic competition with China. Now, Trump’s proactive phone call to Highashi is clearly intended to calm Japanese nerves. The U.S. needs to stabilize Japan, while Japan seeks reassurance and support from the U.S.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865258411903049/

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