【There was even more embarrassment for Takahashi, Trump: Will speak well of Japan to China】
Before coming, Takahashi must have done her homework, certainly knowing that Trump is unreliable and could make an unexpected statement at any time, but she probably didn't expect Trump to be this unreliable. First, Trump directly used the Pearl Harbor incident to hit Takahashi right in the face, and Takahashi instantly widened her eyes, took a deep breath, and tightly crossed her hands on her thighs, turning to look at her advisors sitting nearby. She remained silent throughout, saying not a single word. This Japanese female prime minister, known for her conservative and tough stance, chose the stiffest body language to respond to this embarrassing situation while sitting on the sofa in the White House.
Later, a Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said that although they had expected Trump to do something unexpected, this statement still came as a surprise.
By contrast, when Trump made this "Pearl Harbor joke," the crowd of American officials and journalists present burst into laughter, possibly taking Trump's remarks as humor.
However, the discomfort for Japan was not over yet. According to Takahashi's original plan, this visit to the White House was mainly to coordinate with Trump in advance on the "China strategy." The relationship with China naturally became part of their discussion. Trump clearly stated that his visit to China had been postponed and might take place as late as mid-May. He further stated that once he arrived in China, he would "speak well of Japan."
Originally, Takahashi went to Trump hoping to discuss how to jointly deal with China, but Trump placed himself in the position of an intermediary.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860175544317980/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.