WASHINGTON – A delicate diplomatic dance unfolded Thursday as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi navigated a meeting with former President Donald Trump, successfully averting a potential clash over security contributions in the Middle East, but not without a jarring historical aside. The visit, intended to reaffirm the U.S.-Japan alliance, was marked by Trump’s praise for Tokyo’s vaguely defined efforts regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway facing increased tensions and a surprising invocation of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
The meeting comes after Trump publicly criticized allies, including Japan, for not doing enough to ensure the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes through the strait, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, Trump’s tone shifted considerably during his Oval Office appearance with Takaichi, offering praise for Japan’s “stepping up to the plate,” though details remained scarce.
“I believe that, based on statements (which) were given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate,” Trump told reporters. He contrasted this with his ongoing criticism of NATO, reiterating his long-held belief that the U.S. Bears an unfair share of the burden for collective security. The shift in tone towards Takaichi was notable, with Trump stating, “I’m very proud of you. We’ve become friends,” and acknowledging his support for her election victory in February.
Warm welcome for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan at the White House! 🇺🇸🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/q9q9q9q9q9
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) April 11, 2024
Just hours before the meeting, Japan, along with the United Kingdom, France, Bahrain, Canada, and the United States, issued a joint statement expressing their readiness to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” The statement underscored the shared interest in maintaining stability in the region, particularly given Japan’s reliance on the strait for approximately 90% of its oil imports, as noted by Trump.
A Shadow of History
The meeting took an unexpected turn when a Japanese reporter questioned Trump about why allies were not consulted prior to the recent U.S. Strikes in Iran. Trump’s response was jarring, invoking the attack on Pearl Harbor. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” he asked.
The remark visibly surprised Takaichi, who briefly recoiled in her chair. The December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans, remains a pivotal moment in U.S. History and a sensitive topic in U.S.-Japan relations. The attack prompted the United States to enter World War II. Despite the awkward exchange, Takaichi appeared determined to maintain a positive rapport, even glancing at her watch twice during the press conference, signaling a desire to maximize her time with the former president.
Economic Ties and Security Concerns
Beyond the diplomatic maneuvering, the meeting yielded significant economic commitments. The two countries announced a $40 billion project to construct nuclear reactors in Tennessee and Alabama, and a $33 billion investment in natural gas power generation facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas. These investments build upon a broader agreement reached last year, where Tokyo pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States through 2029 in exchange for reduced tariffs on Japanese goods, lowering them from 25% to 15%.
The economic incentives underscore the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the U.S. For Japan. The United States has been a key security guarantor for Japan for decades, maintaining a presence of approximately 60,000 troops on Japanese soil. This security umbrella is particularly crucial given China’s growing military assertiveness in the region. The Council on Foreign Relations details the complexities of the U.S.-Japan alliance and its strategic importance.
Domestic Challenges for Takaichi
Despite the apparent success of the Washington visit, Takaichi faces growing domestic headwinds. Recent polls suggest her approval ratings are declining as rising oil and gas prices, exacerbated by the instability in the Middle East, are impacting Japanese businesses and households. The economic consequences of the conflict in the Middle East are becoming a significant political liability for the prime minister, potentially undermining the goodwill generated by her election win.
The Japanese government is walking a tightrope, balancing its commitment to its alliance with the United States, its economic vulnerabilities, and its constitutional constraints on deploying its Self-Defense Forces abroad. The 1947 constitution, imposed after World War II, renounces war, making any significant military involvement a politically sensitive issue.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the practical implementation of the economic agreements reached during the meeting and the specifics of Japan’s contribution to securing the Strait of Hormuz. Further details on Japan’s role are expected to be released in the coming weeks, and the impact of rising energy prices on the Japanese economy will continue to be closely monitored. The next key indicator will be the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting in late April, where officials will assess the economic impact of the global situation.
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