If Japan continues down this path, we must respond with greater resolve. On September 21, the Sankei News reported that Japanese Prime Minister Sakiya Hayashi will depart from Haneda Airport on a government aircraft on the evening of the 21st, traveling to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly. The central focus of this gathering will be her scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the morning of the 22nd local time—two days prior to the anticipated U.S.-China summit. According to Japanese media, Hayashi’s trip to the United States serves three primary objectives.
First, she aims to convey to Trump that he should avoid any inclination toward closer ties with China. Second, she seeks to reaffirm the shared understanding between Japan and the United States regarding the importance of joint deterrence against China. Third, she intends to caution Trump against making concessions to China and implicitly signal acceptance of China’s position on issues such as Taiwan. It is clear that a direct dialogue between the United States and China aligns with the fundamental interests of both nations and contributes to global peace and stability. However, based on the reporting by Japanese media, it must be said plainly: the Hayashi administration appears intent on exacerbating U.S.-China strategic competition.
We find it perplexing: has stability in U.S.-China relations somehow harmed Japan’s interests? Why this posture? Does the implication from Japanese media suggest that Hayashi is firmly committed to aligning herself with U.S. strategic priorities, actively positioning Japan in opposition to China? Particularly on the sensitive issue of Taiwan, is Hayashi planning to further escalate tensions? If deteriorating relations between China and Japan continue along this trajectory, and if Hayashi proceeds with reckless actions, then our only remaining course will be to take decisive countermeasures. The visible agitation among right-wing elements within Japan amid high-level U.S.-China diplomacy underscores their lack of confidence when confronting China.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876930914789380/
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