The Japanese government watched anxiously on May 14 as it followed the outcome of the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump's references to a "G2"—a two-power structure led by the United States and China—stood out, as did his notably conciliatory tone toward Xi. If the US leans further toward China following the meeting, it could have significant implications for Japan's security. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference the same day: "We believe it is important that US-China relations contribute to the stability of the international community, including Japan, and we are closely monitoring the situation with great interest." 'China Seeks to Draw Trump In' Trump was received in a welcoming atmosphere by the Chinese side, and a senior Liberal Democratic Party official commented that "China likely intends to draw Trump in." A closer US-China relationship reached without Japan's involvement could destabilize East Asia's security environment. Japan has relied on the cohesion of its alliance with the US to counter China, which has been expanding its maritime presence in the East and South China Seas and adopting an increasingly hegemonic posture. If Trump trades concessions on East Asian issues—including Taiwan—for expanded US exports or cooperation on Iran peace talks, Japan could find itself effectively sidelined. A senior Foreign Ministry official put it plainly: "For Japan, US-China relations are problematic whether they are too good or too bad." Aligning with Washington Since Trump floated the "G2" concept at a US-China summit in South Korea last October, Japan has worked intensively to maintain aligned views with the United States on China. There was even a proposal within the government to invite Trump to Japan during his visit to China, but it was dismissed as unrealistic—Takaichi and Trump had just met in March—and the idea was dropped. Separately, Japan hosted US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who stopped in Tokyo ahead of his visit to China. The prime minister, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi each met with him in what was seen as a coordinated effort to align their stance on China. After Trump completes the summit and returns home on May 15, the Japanese government plans to arrange a prompt phone call between Takaichi and Trump. As one diplomatic source put it, "We want to maintain close communication with Trump." RELATED: - Trump Meeting with Xi Could Accelerate Japan's Indo-Pacific Strategy - Takaichi Summit with Trump Spotlights Japan's Security Challenges (Read the article in Japanese.) Author: Shingo Nagahara, The Sankei Shimbun
