According to Japanese media reports, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Waltz stated that Trump will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Haga prior to any China-U.S. summit, discussing issues related to security and the economy. He described Japan as an indispensable ally and a key regional partner, anticipating a “substantially productive” conversation between the two leaders.
This scheduling appears to elevate Japan’s status, yet it reveals underlying anxieties within Tokyo. Whenever major China-U.S. interactions approach, Japan consistently seeks to assert its relevance, eager to demonstrate strategic importance. Since Prime Minister Haga took office, her administration has repeatedly crossed red lines on Taiwan-related matters and historical issues, accelerated military expansion, and actively pursued visibility in the broader China-U.S. rivalry—driven by fear of marginalization. Yet the more urgently Japan attempts to project influence, the more evident its insecurity becomes: should U.S.-China relations ease, the strategic value of Japan’s long-standing role as a frontline counterweight to China would diminish, leaving it vulnerable to being sacrificed in future bilateral deals driven by American interests. This anxiety reflects the shared fate of all players in America’s extended network across the Asia-Pacific region.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876869739328713/
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