TOKYO: The government tried to demonstrate Japan-US solidarity ahead of the May 14 US-China summit by holding a series of meetings between ministers including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is currently visiting Japan.
There is also a strategic intent to use Bessent — a close aide to US President Donald Trump — to caution the president against aligning with China’s one-sided assertions on such matters as the cooling of Japan-China relations and Taiwan policy.
At her meeting with Bessent on Tuesday (May 12) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Takaichi reiterated the importance of Japan-US cooperation on supply chains, with China’s economic coercion in mind.
Bessent told reporters after the meeting that the two had discussed Trump’s visit to China and said, “Partnership between the US and Japan is very strong.”
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama; Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa; and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also held separate meetings with Bessent.
Bessent, who plays a central role in US-China negotiations, came to Japan ahead of his talks with Chinese officials scheduled for Wednesday.
The former hedge fund specialist and Japan expert has previously made huge profits on the yen exchange rate. A government official said, “What we conveyed to him will certainly reach Mr. Trump’s ears.”
Japan is on high alert regarding Trump’s visit to China — his first since 2017 — as it comes in the midst of deteriorating Japan-China relations.
In response to a remark in November by Takaichi about Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced criticism of Japan in a telephone conversation with Trump on Nov. 24, leading Trump to call Takaichi the following day to convey his view that a worsening of the situation was undesirable.
Tokyo’s aim this time was to align its positions with Washington ahead of the US-China summit to “make it clear to China that Japan and the US cannot be divided,” according to a Foreign Ministry official. Washington is believed to have also wanted to dispel its ally’s concerns.
However, it is difficult to predict Trump’s attitude. In light of the upcoming midterm congressional elections in November, he may prioritise economic interests and a conciliatory stance toward China, potentially making concessions such as suspending arms sales to Taiwan.
Creating an impression that the United States has backed down on its Taiwan policy could benefit China, which seeks to isolate Japan, which continues its engagement with Taiwan.
Following the US-China summit, Tokyo plans to request that Washington immediately share the details of the talks so that they can be reflected in future diplomacy toward Beijing. - The Japan News/ANN
