Japan and its protective power, the USA, want to significantly expand their defense and economic cooperation in view of China’s desire for power. US President Donald Trump and Japan’s new national conservative head of government Sanae Takaichi announced a “new golden age” of the “ever-growing Japanese-American alliance” in Tokyo.
Both also signed an agreement to secure the supply of rare earths. The background is the quasi-monopoly of our common rival China.
In the trade dispute with the USA, Beijing has imposed export controls on rare earths and magnets made from them. On Thursday, Trump wants to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on the sidelines of the APEC economic summit to discuss the trade conflict. The aim of the agreement with Japan is to “ensure the resilience and security of supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths.”
USA and Japan want to reduce dependence on China
Trump is using his trip to several Asian countries to conclude various agreements on rare earths. By expanding cooperation, the US government wants to reduce dependence on China. Rare earths are also of crucial importance for the high-tech country of Japan. The metals are used, for example, for the production of smartphones, wind turbines, electric cars and military equipment.
Japan wants to “fundamentally” strengthen its defense
During a subsequent joint visit to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington at the U.S. naval base at Yokosuka near Tokyo, Takaichi said Japan was committed to “fundamentally” strengthening its defense capabilities. “Japan stands ready to contribute more proactively to peace and stability in the region.” In his subsequent speech to US soldiers on board, Trump used martial language to invoke the strength of the US Navy. “No one has our weapons, and very soon it will be even stronger and more powerful than ever before.”
No enemy will even dream of threatening America’s navy, he said. Trump added that if so, the American sailor would be ready to “smash, sink, destroy and obliterate” the enemies. This was a terrible statement, said Trump, adding that he had probably disqualified himself for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, Takaichi wants to recommend him for it, as the White House announced after the two met.
250 cherry trees as a gift
Trump also received an extraordinary gift for his country: 250 cherry trees would be donated to the capital Washington, Takaichi announced with a view to the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence next year. Cherry trees are a popular photo subject in Washington – when they are in bloom, the city is bathed in a sea of pink and white. Celebrating cherry blossoms is a centuries-old tradition in Japan.
Protecting power USA
At the start of their meeting in Tokyo, Trump acknowledged that Japan, under Takaichi’s leadership, was increasing their country’s military capabilities “quite significantly.” The US has already received orders from Japan “for a very large amount of new military equipment,” Trump said. At the start of her term in office, Takaichi recently announced that she would increase the defense budget to two percent of gross domestic product by March. This would mean that the goal would be achieved two years earlier than previously planned.
The US government under Trump demanded more financial commitment from many allies in defense spending. NATO has already responded to pressure from Washington in this way. Takaichi described the security alliance with Japan’s protective power, the USA, as a “cornerstone” of her foreign and security policy in view of China’s growing desire for power and the threat from North Korea’s missile and nuclear program.
