US President Donald Trump seems to be focusing on the great task of repairing this shaky world. He seems to be spending sleepless nights not only on the critical situation in the Gaza Strip or the Russia-Ukraine war, but also on what is happening in the world without his consent and where US interests are being violated.
Although Trump has repeatedly said during his election campaign to defeat China, he has so far refrained from engaging in any direct conflict with China. Although he has indicated that he will start a trade war by announcing additional tariffs on goods imported from China and entering the United States. As a result, it seems that he has not been able to pay much attention to East Asia amid the Israeli invasion of Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict Trump is now turning his. However, in such a context, there is probably a glimpse of some change.
Trump has intervened in the US acquisition of Japan’s largest economic company, Nippon Steel, by canceling the deal, but has not yet commented on the political and diplomatic relations of the United States with Japan. As a result, the leadership of the ruling party in Japan was able to be somewhat calm. However, they are starting to feel a change of heart in March. While talking to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, Trump pointed the finger of accusation at Japan. He said that at a time when he is pressuring allies to increase defense spending and buy more American products, the security agreement his country signed with Japan is now the exact opposite of reciprocity. Making the matter a little clearer, he said, “That’s why the agreement is so interesting that even though we are obligated to protect them, they are not obligated to protect us.” At the same time, he did not forget to mention that he loves Japan. However, he is forced to say that, “Although the country has built up a mountain of resources by trading with us economically, that country is not spending enough money to ensure its own security.” The indirect indication that Trump is giving through such comments is that Japan should increase its defense budget Trump is now turning his and procure various weapons needed for the country’s defense from the United States. Since Trump came to power in January, he has not been seen making any direct critical comments about Japan. When Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru visited the United States last month, the two leaders had a long discussion on how to protect the interests of both parties and remove the confusion that arose over the purchase of Nippon Steel. It can be said that Ishiba had to make some concessions on that issue in the face of US pressure. Japan, however, did not expect more from that meeting. Because Japanese leaders were concerned about whether the White House was pressuring them to increase defense spending. However, since that discussion did not become an important topic in the Trump-Ishiba summit, Ishiba was able to return home with relief. As a result, Trump’s latest comments on Japan are his first look at Japan since taking office in his second term. It has left Japanese leaders somewhat worried that it will not be easy for the government to increase the defense budget Trump is now turning his allocation significantly at a time when the economy is not in great shape.
