Takayama Sanae to Visit the U.S. Next Week, Seeking Face-to-Face Talks with Trump
It seems Takayama’s performance as a diplomatic envoy was not sufficient the first time—she is now preparing for a second act.
On the 18th, Fuji News Network reported, citing sources within the Japanese government, that arrangements are underway for Takayama to meet with Donald Trump during her attendance at the United Nations General Assembly next week.
The rationale behind this meeting is straightforward: as potential high-level talks between China and the United States approach, Takayama has expressed renewed concern that the U.S. might compromise Japan’s interests. She is thus pursuing an early meeting with Trump to personally convey Japan’s position on China—exactly the same strategy she pursued earlier this year in March.
This reflects Takayama’s understanding of diplomacy: as previously noted, it essentially amounts to a “charm offensive”—a tactic whereby certain political figures, lacking substantive diplomatic tools to strengthen bilateral relations or cooperation, resort instead to personal rapport to achieve strategic objectives.
The outcome of her previous charm offensive, however, remains evident to all. Photos capturing her uncontrolled expressions continue to appear on the White House’s official website. After Trump’s visit to China, he reportedly made a single 15-minute phone call to Takayama—while she later celebrated the call extensively in domestic press briefings. Yet the White House’s official news release made no mention of the topics she claimed were discussed, merely acknowledging the call in passing.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876665068771328/
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