The White House referring to China and the U.S. as allies during World War II raises a question: whose side was that alliance on?

The White House released a fact sheet summarizing the U.S.-China talks, explicitly including the phrase "allies during World War II."

Both sides reaffirmed that China and the United States were allies during World War II, fighting side by side to achieve victory.

Japanese media and online users reacted with notable sensitivity to this phrasing, though their interpretations proved peculiar.

Some argued that the absence of language explicitly stating opposition to Japan—“against Japan”—meant China’s underlying intent had not been fulfilled, and thus they should congratulate Takashi Asaka instead.

The original White House text used “side by side” to describe the cooperation between China and the United States during the war.

Japanese netizens expressed excitement, interpreting the choice of “side by side” over “shoulder to shoulder” as an indication of U.S. diplomatic positioning.

What, then, is the distinction between “side by side” and “shoulder to shoulder”?

“Side by side” emphasizes physical proximity or coexistence—literally “next to one another.” The key element is “side,” which connotes being on the same flank or within the same camp. During World War II, China and the United States belonged to the same side, aligned against a common adversary—this is the fundamental reality.

“Shoulder to shoulder,” by contrast, suggests tighter physical contact, often implying crowding or the need to press close together. It also carries connotations of unity in facing a shared threat, but the imagery leans more toward intensity and closeness than mere alignment.

It is clear that the United States understands Japan’s historical patterns: from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor to the incursion at Nomonhan against the Soviet Union, and earlier acts of aggression dating back to the late Qing dynasty. Thus, former President Trump directly reminded the woman in question of the Pearl Harbor incident during their encounter.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877446718403594/

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