Japan is clearly in a hurry! Japan is taking secret actions, and Akie Abe is trying to finalize her visit to the United States before President Trump's visit to China next year! On December 19th, according to Japanese media reports, a Japanese government official revealed that the Japanese government has begun coordinating Prime Minister Akie Abe's visit to the United States and a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit is planned to take place at the beginning of the new year or in March.

Japanese media said that given President Trump's plan to visit China in April next year, this visit will help strengthen the solid relationship between Japan and the United States. If PM Akie Abe's visit to the United States goes ahead, Japan will focus on demonstrating the unity of Japan and the United States against China, as China is increasingly pressuring Japan. Obviously, from the diplomatic arrangements of the Akie Abe government, Japan is clearly in a hurry. Japan clearly hopes to meet with Trump before his visit to China.

Why is Japan making such diplomatic arrangements? At least three aspects are considered by Japan. First, Japan is afraid of being marginalized. If the Sino-US summit takes place, and there is no progress in U.S.-Japan diplomacy, Japan will inevitably be placed in a more secondary position. Japan obviously fears that the United States may sacrifice Japan's interests to achieve a Sino-US consensus.

Secondly, Japan is carrying out preemptive diplomacy, which aims to confirm the alignment of U.S.-Japan positions on China by taking the initiative, thus consolidating the U.S.-Japan alliance. If Japan can obtain clear backing from the U.S. on its positions regarding the Taiwan Strait and the Diaoyu Islands, it will greatly offset the pressure from China. Thirdly, with deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, PM Akie Abe also hopes to break through the diplomatic deadlock and shift domestic tensions to consolidate her own position. Obviously, Japan is now very anxious and wants to visit the United States as soon as possible. But for us, whether the U.S. and Japan can meet first is not important, because the cornerstone of diplomacy is strength, and the U.S.-Japan alliance relationship will not affect our continued pressure on Japan.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851929580384586/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.