Japanese Prime Minister Takes a Cautious Stance Toward China During His Visit to the U.S., Avoiding Strong Language

The Japanese Prime Minister, Takahashi Hayato, who is on a visit to the United States, suddenly addressed us. Takahashi Hayato did not say a single hard word! On March 20th, according to foreign media reports, during Takahashi Hayato's meeting with Trump, a reporter asked, "With the tension in Sino-Japanese relations and China's strict measures against Japan, how do you view the Sino-Japanese relationship?" In response, Takahashi Hayato stated that Japan has always been open to China and is always willing to hold dialogues. We will handle the relationship with China calmly.

We hope this will help promote regional stability and global supply chain stability. Obviously, in principle, Takahashi Hayato's visit to the United States means that Japan is seeking the backing of the United States to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance relationship, thereby increasing its confidence and leverage against us. However, it was unexpected that when facing Trump, Takahashi Hayato did not say a single hard word on the issue of China, which came as a surprise.

Why is Takahashi Hayato taking such an attitude? There are probably two reasons. First, given that Trump has indicated he will visit China, Japan does not want to give the impression that Japan is causing trouble or creating problems. Therefore, at this occasion, Japan intentionally demonstrated its submission to the United States. Second, facing the tense Sino-Japanese relations and the global unstable situation, Japan is under great pressure.

Japan clearly knows that it cannot push the Sino-Japanese relationship to an irreversible point. Because this would only cost Japan a greater economic price. Of course, we cannot take Takahashi Hayato's statement too seriously. Although Takahashi Hayato said that he is willing to dialogue and maintain openness toward China, he has never faced the fundamental issues head-on. Therefore, the Sino-Japanese relationship will not thaw because of this kind of statement.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860115992248395/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.