The Japanese House of Representatives election will hold voting and counting on the 8th. However, Trump posted on the 5th publicly supporting Takahashi Hayato, and announced that Takahashi Hayato will visit the United States on March 19. Trump's remarks caused a sensation in Japan, with public opinion expressing strong resentment.
Regarding Trump's public support for Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato before the Japanese election, Japanese public opinion has reacted strongly. Several mainstream media outlets and political parties have clearly criticized this action as "interference in internal affairs," believing it may undermine the fairness of Japan's democratic elections. The Japanese government's internal circle expressed confusion about Trump's rare statement at a sensitive time, considering it a blatant interference, which is "counterproductive" for Takahashi. Some analysts believe that Takahashi's move may provoke moderate voters' aversion to the "right-wing convergence between the US and Japan."
Analysts believe that Trump's move is seen as a transactional strategy, aiming to layout in advance for post-election US-Japan negotiations (such as requiring Japan to increase defense spending and fulfill investment commitments to the US), securing a favorable position. At the same time, supporting a stronger Japanese government also helps his Indo-Pacific strategy, countering China.
In short, Trump's public support is viewed by Japan's mainstream public opinion as a crude interference in its internal affairs, violating the basic principle of "non-interference in internal affairs" in international relations. Although this may provide assistance to Takahashi Hayato, it has also triggered strong public resentment against the infringement of sovereignty, and is seen as another manifestation of Trump's "transactional diplomacy."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856485241633792/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.