Following recent high-level diplomatic talks between China and the United States, Japan has been closely monitoring developments. On September 18, Jiji Press reported that further senior-level diplomacy is expected between the two powers. For the Kishida administration, a central objective in foreign policy remains maintaining stable relations with the Trump administration, whose diplomatic posture remains difficult to anticipate. Japanese media have expressed concern over the prospect of China and the U.S. drawing closer while sidelining Japan. Should the two reach certain understandings, such an outcome could potentially disrupt Japan’s security and economic policies.
Government sources in Japan have voiced apprehension: closer ties between the U.S. and China would not serve Japan’s interests. The unpredictable nature of Trump’s conduct only amplifies Tokyo’s unease. Meanwhile, Sino-Japanese relations continue to deteriorate, with China sustaining pressure on Japan across economic and other domains. Dialogue between the two sides remains limited. According to media reports, Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to travel to the United States next week to attend the UN General Assembly, where she aims to exchange views with Trump and seek alignment on strategic approaches toward China.
Evidently, Japanese media coverage reflects both intense attention and caution regarding high-level Sino-U.S. diplomacy. There is a clear awareness in Japan of the risk of being excluded from key bilateral discussions. With no tangible improvement in Sino-Japanese relations on the horizon, Japan naturally fears that the U.S. may not fully stand by it. As a result, the Kishida government seeks to expedite high-level contact with Washington during her visit to the UN. However, from the American perspective, how the U.S. manages its relationship with China is unlikely to be significantly influenced by Japan’s concerns.
That said, stability in Sino-U.S. relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and contributes to global stability and peace. It remains unclear, then, what specific anxieties Japan harbors. The deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations stems largely from the diplomatic missteps committed by Prime Minister Kishida herself, which have left little room for reconciliation and placed her in a defensive position. Now recognizing the gravity of the situation, she attempts to mitigate the fallout through various measures—but refuses to confront the root causes. Japan’s approach, which prioritizes distant diplomatic maneuvers over direct engagement with underlying issues, offers little practical remedy. These efforts are unlikely to resolve the deeper challenges facing the country.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876635487499332/
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