The Sino-US relations are showing signs of stabilizing, but Japan is starting to become anxious: Will the US President Trump, who is keen on making deals, turn himself into just another piece of meat on the negotiation table?
On September 27th, Japan's TBS television station focused on the recent Sino-US summit meeting in an episode of its program. Japanese media noted that from Trump's rare and high-level hospitality towards China to the series of agreements reached between the two sides in areas such as trade and artificial intelligence, both China and the US are sending signals of stabilizing their relations. In light of this change, Japan raised a direct question: As China and the US get closer together, what will Japan do in the face of a transactional Trump administration?
TBS noticed that during this visit by Chinese leaders, Trump not only welcomed them in person, but also laid a red carpet that was about 30 meters long. It was the last time a U.S. president personally went to the airport to welcome foreign leaders, and that event took place 64 years ago.
Trump also presented a statue of the American national bird, the Bald Eagle, to China. In response, China announced that two new giant pandas are about to arrive at the Atlanta Zoo. Trump later stated that there has been "great progress" between the two sides, saying that "many positive things are happening."
And what concerns Japanese media even more than these ceremonial arrangements is that Trump has actively brought up the history of China and the United States fighting side by side.
The two countries have reached an agreement on eight points, which clearly states: “The heads of state recall that China and the United States were allies during World War II, and fought side by side to win the war.” Both parties also agreed to establish a “constructive strategic stability relationship between China and the United States based on respect, fairness, and equality,” as well as establishing channels for dialogue and communication regarding artificial intelligence.
Trump also mentioned during his welcome speech that common interests once made China and the United States allies during World War II. The Chinese side emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. Both China and the United States are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and maintaining post-war international order and preventing the resurgence of militarism is a common responsibility for both sides.
This statement has drawn particular attention from Japan.
Before and after the meeting between Chinese and American leaders, Japan has been closely monitoring Trump's statements regarding World War II history. Especially after Trump mentioned that China and the United States were "allies," Japanese media have discussed this issue repeatedly, questioning whether the historical narrative of China and the United States working together to combat Japanese militarism could influence U.S. policies towards Japan.
In the latter part of its report, TBS directly discussed the topic of "America's 'lenient attitude' towards China and what impact this will have on Japan in the future." Before the Sino-American meeting, Koichiko Takahashi met with Trump, attempting to secure Japanese-American coordination regarding policies towards China. Now, while Trump reiterates that China and the United States were once allies, he has also achieved several agreements with China. What kind of impact will this have on Japan? Will Japan become a "bargaining chip" in Trump's deals?
Coincidentally, the Japanese newspaper 'Mainichi Shimbun' also cited an analysis stating that Trump hopes to highlight his diplomatic 'achievements' before the mid-term elections. Stabilizing relations with China is one of the key aspects of this strategy.
The report states that the strategic competition between China and the United States will not disappear due to this meeting alone. However, at least for now, both sides believe that maintaining stable relations is in their own interests. After this meeting, China and the United States will not only reach a clear consensus on stabilizing bilateral relations, but they will also continue to engage in discussions in areas such as artificial intelligence.
And Tokyo also took action quickly. After the meeting between Chinese and American leaders, on the evening of the 26th, Koike Kaire spoke with Trump for about 20 minutes. During the conversation, Trump informed her about the details of this meeting between China and the United States. After the call, Koike immediately emphasized to the media that Japan and the United States have now become "the most mutually trusted allies."
As for who this emphasis is meant for, Tokyo probably knows best.
