Tokyo, Nov. 5 (Jiji Press)–Following the Republican defeat in Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections, the Japanese government is concerned that President Donald Trump could approach China, North Korea and Russia. Tokyo fears that Trump, facing domestic political difficulties, may seek diplomatic achievements by engaging with these countries, in an attempt to build his presidential legacy. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes to meet with Trump as soon as possible to reaffirm the unity between Tokyo and Washington. “A strong Japan-U.S. alliance is indispensable for maximizing national interests, as well as for peace and stability in the international community,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference on Wednesday. “We will work closely with the United States at all levels, including between our leaders and foreign ministers, and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance,” he added, signaling Tokyo’s intention to accelerate communication with Washington. After Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress, passing legislation and budgets will be more difficult. Against this backdrop, some Japanese government officials believe Trump may turn to diplomacy, where congressional constraints are relatively limited. Some worry that he may take unexpected steps during the remaining two years of his term. One such scenario involves renewed outreach by Trump to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A Japanese government official mentioned the possibility that Trump could seek to officially end the Korean War, which remains under a military armistice, in hopes of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. “If U.S. forces in South Korea were withdrawn or the nuclear and missile issues were put on hold, Japan’s security environment would change completely,” the official said. With Trump open to a U.S.-China-Russia summit, there are concerns that he could be attracted to an international framework in which only major powers shape the international order, sidelining allies such as Japan. Another concern is the possibility of increased U.S. pressure on Japan, whose only ally is the United States. A senior official in the prime minister’s office pointed out that Washington might seek bigger Japanese investments and loans than those agreed upon in bilateral tariff negotiations or demand faster implementation of these commitments. There are also concerns that the United States could shift its focus away from Asia. Lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who specialize in security and defense policy cautioned that U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific region may weaken. These concerns have grown as Trump appears increasingly drawn to the so-called Donroe Doctrine, which emphasizes U.S. superiority in the Western Hemisphere. Tokyo is seeking to arrange a Takaichi-Trump summit, possibly on the sidelines of Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related meetings in mid-November. A critical test lies ahead as Takaichi will seek to convince Trump of Japan’s positions. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
