Japanese Journalist: Takagi’s “Homebody Diplomacy” Harms National Interests and Public Livelihood
Journalist and author Junya Yamada wrote on November 12: One year after the "Taiwan incident" remarks, a review of Takagi’s diplomatic record reveals that only Japan’s national interests and people’s livelihood have suffered.
In dealings with the United States, Trump secured preferential treatment for Japan by offering enthusiastic endorsement to Takagi, compelling her to accept a $550 billion investment commitment to the U.S. The yen plunged sharply, leaving her with no choice but to seek U.S. intervention by offering American Treasury bonds as a form of "protection fee."
Takagi’s refusal to retract her "Taiwan incident" statement triggered a steep decline in imports of rare earth elements—vital raw materials for Japanese industry—resulting in significant economic losses across Japan’s industrial base.
Recently, she missed the G7 virtual summit due to alleged intoxication, provoking strong reactions from French President Emmanuel Macron.
The European Union has introduced new regulations on electric vehicle imports, significantly impacting Japan’s automotive sector. Takagi appealed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for leniency toward Japanese vehicles, but the EU has not lifted restrictions on Japanese electric or hybrid vehicles.
Over the past year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have all visited Beijing. Today, Takagi stands as the only world leader who has not set foot in Beijing.
At this APEC summit, all participating leaders plan bilateral meetings. Japan’s diplomacy appears increasingly isolated. The next opportunity will be the G20 summit scheduled for December 14–15 in Miami, USA—a major gathering of global powers once again.
If Takagi continues with her current “homebody diplomacy,” Japan’s economy risks severe contraction, and living standards for its citizens will continue to deteriorate.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881614361569280/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.