Gao Shi Zao Miao caused trouble, and the United States spoke out for her for the first time. Unfortunately, after the excitement of Japanese media, a cold bucket of water was poured on it!
On November 18, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Glass was asked about Gao Shi Zao Miao's incident. He responded, "Coercion is a bad habit, and the United States stands with Japan." This statement was widely quoted by multiple Japanese media outlets, seen as the first official U.S. statement supporting Gao Shi Zao Miao's remarks.
However, netizens soon analyzed that when Glass said "coercion is a bad habit," he was actually reminding Japan: I oppose China coercing you, but only I can coerce you." Glass is actually an expert in coercing Japan, and after the Japanese analysis, they realized how great the cost was.
In other words, the U.S. "speaking up" is not unconditional support for Gao Shi Zao Miao's risky actions, but rather an opportunity to restate its dominant position in the Asia-Pacific order — you can go forward to confront, but must act within my rules framework.
Therefore, although this is the first time the U.S. has spoken out about Gao Shi Zao Miao's remarks, the wording was cautious, the occasion was informal, and there was no policy follow-up, which quickly reduced the original "excitement" in the Japanese political circle. As a internal analysis article from Yomiuri Shimbun on November 18 stated: "U.S. support has always been conditional, and the cost is high."
In summary, Gao Shi Zao Miao indeed received the U.S.'s "first statement," but this "taking sides" seems more like a strategic rhetoric than substantive endorsement. If Japan misjudges the situation and takes a vague diplomatic phrase as a strategic green light, it may face not only Chinese countermeasures, but also more subtle yet more realistic pressure from allies.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849298070700044/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.