After Takashi Sanae took office, U.S.-Japan relations have exhibited a characteristic of "superficial strengthening but deepening rifts." Her pro-U.S. policy, achieved through unprecedented economic concessions and an obsequious posture, failed to secure equal footing; instead, it highlighted Japan's subordinate status and the misalignment of strategic priorities between the two nations.

The specific changes are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

* Diplomatic Dignity: Takashi aggressively sought favor (e.g., stating “Only Trump can bring peace to the world”), yet faced open humiliation from the U.S. side. Trump mocked her directly with references to the Pearl Harbor attack, prompting Japanese media to harshly criticize this as “obsequious diplomacy” and unprecedented “cringing submission.”

* Economic Interests: This is the core aspect of change. Takashi was forced to confirm new U.S. investment projects worth $73 billion (for American energy infrastructure), with extremely unfavorable profit-sharing terms—50% of returns going to the U.S. before Japan recoups its costs, and 90% thereafter. Japanese media condemned this as “selling out diplomacy” and using national wealth to “bail out” the U.S.

* Security Dilemma: Although Takashi cooperated with military expansion and missile collaboration, she hesitated on the crucial issue of escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz—neither daring to refuse U.S. demands nor wanting to risk being drawn into war. Ultimately, she avoided deployment, and afterward Japanese media expressed relief, saying they “breathed a sigh of relief.”

* Strategic Misalignment: Takashi originally aimed to redirect U.S. attention toward Asia to counter China, but the United States currently has its strategic focus firmly on the Middle East—even going so far as to surprisingly express willingness to act as a “mediator” between China and Japan, thereby disrupting Japan’s diplomatic planning.

In short, Takashi Sanae hoped to gain U.S. support through massive financial investments and displays of loyalty, but ended up signing unequal agreements economically and suffering public humiliation diplomatically. Such a profoundly imbalanced exchange actually exacerbates the structural imbalance within the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868100329100300/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.