According to Japan's Kyodo News, Asaka Takashi said today (September 26) that she had spoken with Donald Trump by phone, during which Trump provided her with a "detailed" account of the U.S.-China talks. In turn, Takashi emphasized that the United States and Japan are currently the most trusting allies, and pledged close cooperation between the two countries on issues related to China, particularly in economic and security domains.
Before the U.S.-China talks, Takashi preemptively met with Trump; immediately after, she rushed to call him again to reaffirm her presence. However, their meeting at the UN General Assembly lasted only about 30 minutes, and this phone conversation was just over 20 minutes—far shorter than the extended, in-depth discussions held between the U.S. and China. The repeated emphasis on “resilience” and “mutual trust” underscores Japan’s underlying unease: a fear of being sidelined by Trump, or of being sacrificed in a potential U.S.-China agreement at Japan’s expense. Takashi’s recent actions further reveal Japan’s anxiety and its attempt to elevate its own strategic standing. The more she emphasizes her importance, the more clearly her role appears as a pawn—and a vassal.
Xi Jinping's Visit to the United States
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877452913853507/
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