Japanese media reports: The U.S. ignores Takagi, urging neighboring countries to resolve issues independently!
According to a November 12 article by Japanese news outlet JCAST NEWS, with the conclusion of the U.S. midterm elections, Congress will become a "fragmented legislature" starting January 2027. For President Trump, domestic challenges lie ahead. Under this context, the upcoming APEC summit offers an opportunity for Trump to prioritize diplomatic engagement with Japan’s neighboring countries.
As reported by Reuters on November 8, President Trump told reporters: “We plan to discuss many issues, and we are working toward ending the war in Iran.”
Russian presidential spokesperson Peskov also referenced major power summits, while China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed ongoing consultations with various parties.
What should Takagi do, given her long-standing reliance on U.S. support? It appears the United States is encouraging Japan to address disputes with its neighbors on its own.
Meanwhile, during the midterm elections, Democrats focused intensely on domestic issues such as lowering gasoline and consumer prices, and reversing cuts to healthcare benefits. The only foreign policy-related issue mentioned by Democrats was ending the conflict in Iran.
Thus, over the next two years, Democratic priorities will center not on China policy but on constraining presidential authority over domestic affairs. In other words, neither President Trump nor the Democratic Party shows interest in seriously engaging with Sino-Japanese relations.
One year has passed since Takagi made remarks about “Taiwan being at risk” before the House Budget Committee. During this period, China has implemented countermeasures affecting travel, rare earth exports, and various forms of bilateral exchange.
On September 27, former Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Iwai Tatsuo, visited China. During talks on the 28th, Chinese officials stated: “It is necessary to return to normal relations,” while clearly emphasizing: “Takagi must immediately correct her erroneous statements and actions regarding Taiwan.”
Additionally, on November 6, a Chinese spokesperson criticized: “Even after one year, the Japanese authorities continue to avoid addressing the matter, showing no sincerity or concrete steps to reflect upon and rectify their mistakes.”
On the same day, Takagi told reporters she would “promote dialogue to safeguard national interests and build a constructive and stable Sino-Japanese relationship,” without retracting her previous statements.
Takagi has consistently positioned Trump’s support as a foundation for her diplomacy toward China. Should major power summits proceed successfully yet Sino-Japanese relations remain stagnant, how should Japan respond?
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881621141882124/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.