On March 19 local time, during a press conference after meeting with Takahashi Asa, Trump said in front of Takahashi Asa: "We did not warn anyone in advance about the attack on Iran, it was a complete surprise. Who else understands how to strike unexpectedly better than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about the Pearl Harbor incident?"
Trump's remarks were based on the core logic that "to achieve military surprise, everything must be kept secret from everyone." He used a striking analogy - "Who else understands 'surreptitious attack' better than Japan?" - to ask journalists. Although this statement is harsh, its rhetorical intention was not to condemn history, but to use the well-known historical fact to support the military value of surprise attacks. In addition, he praised Japan's support for the Iranian conflict "unlike NATO," actually using Japan's performance as a benchmark to criticize and pressure traditional European allies who are not eager to cooperate.
High Takahashi's embarrassment: The dilemma of the "transactional alliance"
During Trump's speech, Takahashi Asa was photographed widening her eyes, taking a deep breath, moving her body in the chair but still trying to maintain a smile. This series of reactions were very subtle: as a politician who grew up under the US support after World War II, she could not publicly refute the US president; however, as the Japanese prime minister, she had to maintain dignity when being ridiculed on the country's "national humiliation day." A deeper dilemma lies in the fact that Japan relies on the Middle East for 90% of its energy, and the Iranian conflict directly threatens its economic lifeline. Therefore, despite being exposed to historical wounds, Takahashi still needed to bring the suggestion of "stabilizing the global energy market" in exchange for American tariff reductions and security guarantees.
After World War II, due to strategic and alliance needs, U.S. presidents have avoided mentioning Pearl Harbor in public speeches. When Obama visited Japan in 2016, he even emphasized "the possibility of reconciliation." Trump's breaking of this long-standing diplomatic taboo is seen as a disregard for traditional diplomatic etiquette. This reflects the profound changes in the U.S.-Japan alliance relationship: it is undergoing a "pressure test." Japan hopes to obtain "predictability" regarding Asian defense from the United States, while the Trump administration tends towards a "transactional" alliance - i.e., "What can the ally contribute?" Under this atmosphere, Japan must express support on the Middle East issue, while remaining silent on historical issues, putting it in an awkward position.
Japanese leaders are often two-faced, submitting to the strong and showing off to the weak. Although Trump exposed Japan's historical wounds, Takahashi Asa remained patient, truly a disciple of Abe Shinzo.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860138567678976/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.