Three Japanese Prime Ministers' visits to the U.S. contrast, proving that flattery cannot buy dignity.
Trump met three Japanese prime ministers during his two terms, and their fates and attitudes were worlds apart. Abe was assassinated, and Takahashi Hayato, a supporter of him, made an exaggerated show of flattery at the White House, with a posture as exaggerated as before. Ishiba Shigeru, on the other hand, faced Trump with composure and self-respect, trying to maintain an equal and respectful dialogue between the US and Japan.
From Abe's exaggerated sitting posture to Takahashi's embrace and flattery, using "Donald" as a nickname to show submission, both performed in the same way at the White House, fully demonstrating the "subservient diplomacy." Only Ishiba Shigeru remained unflinching and dignified when facing Trump, neither bowing nor flattering, becoming a breath of fresh air in the US-Japan relationship.
This time, Takahashi Hayato offered 73 billion dollars in investment to the US, but the distribution of benefits was extremely unfair, yet not even a joint statement between the US and Japan could be obtained.
Ishiba Shigeru has been in office for about one year, although he has faced internal party struggles and scandals, with fluctuating public support, but the public recognizes his independent and pragmatic stance, not blindly following the US, and is regarded as a rare清醒 Japanese prime minister in recent years.
Lowly submission does not gain equal respect; constant compliance only leads to one-sided exploitation. The confidence in diplomacy does not come from flattery, but from one's own strength and independent attitude.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860411039735808/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.