November 8, 2024

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, on November 7 was elected to the U.S. presidency for a second term. Once again, the world will be faced with the “America First” Trump administration. While the international community is becoming increasingly divided due to the selfish actions of major powers, Trump appealed to American voters that he will put the highest priority on benefitting America, no matter what it takes, and he made his comeback to the White House.

In face of the incoming Trump administration, is it prudent for Japan to continue to take a diplomatic stance that places absolute importance on the Japan-U.S. military alliance?

Trump claims that the United States has been taken advantage of by its allies. In fact, during his first term in office, he aggressively demanded that U.S. allies increase their economic and security burdens.

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru advocates the strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance as the top priority of his government, maintaining the policy of military buildup tied to the U.S. military. Maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance as an absolute necessity could lead to a vicious cycle of military crises amid an endless arms race. It could also contribute to the formation of a U.S.-led bloc to confront China. The need is for Japan to employ a diplomatic policy and promote international cooperation based on the UN Charter and international law, not adopt a military-focused approach to regional tensions.

Past related issue:
> Trump’s victory in US presidential election, high time to end Japan’s subservience to US [November 10, 2016]