Before her visit to the United States, Takahashi Hayato actually spoke firmly to the US! On March 18, according to Japanese media reports, Takahashi Hayato is about to depart for the United States on the 19th. On the morning of the 18th, at a meeting of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato stated that regarding the Japan-US summit with President Trump scheduled for the 19th, we will deepen discussions, especially on issues of security and economy, as well as other issues including the situation in Iran.
Regarding the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to the Hormuz Strait, we are very concerned about this matter and are carefully collecting information, but no decision has been made yet on the dispatch. We are determined to show that we will not do what we cannot do. Obviously, Takahashi Hayato's statement "We are determined to show that we will not do what we cannot do" is clearly pushing back against the pressure from the United States.
Takahashi Hayato's firm statement is obviously not giving Trump face. Of course, Takahashi Hayato's firmness indicates that Japan has calculated the situation clearly, knowing that sending troops is a big issue, and Japan definitely should not get involved in this mess. But the question is, does Takahashi Hayato fear American retaliation? Takahashi Hayato certainly does. The problem is, how can Japan solve this deadlock?
If Takahashi Hayato visits the United States with such a tough stance, it is likely that Trump would not even allow Takahashi Hayato to come. Therefore, although Takahashi Hayato made a strong statement, it is highly likely that Japan will make significant concessions to the United States on other issues in exchange. After all, the opposite of "we will not do what we cannot do" is that in areas where we can do something, we can do it to the maximum extent. Therefore, Japan must have already thought of a way to compensate the United States.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859966889136523/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.