[Report] According to Nikkei, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated on a television program on the 10th that Japan “must break away from dependence on the United States and pursue independence” in areas such as security and energy.
The day before (9th), Abe expressed during a street speech that the trade negotiations between the Japanese government and the U.S. government are a battle for national interests, and how could one endure being underestimated by the other side? He said that even if Japan is an ally of the United States, it must be “speaking up with dignity,” and the Japanese government will protect what should be protected. During the program on the 10th, when asked why he made these remarks, Abe responded that regarding Trump administration’s tariff measures, “If the American idea is ‘since you are so dependent on us, then we must listen to you,’ then this can’t be taken lightly.” He stated that in fields such as security and energy supply, Japan “must break away from dependence on the United States and pursue independence.”
Reuters reported that Abe’s remarks indicate dissatisfaction with Trump administration policies. Christopher Johnston, a member of the American consulting firm “Asia Group,” mentioned that trade frictions, pressure from the U.S. on defense spending, and uncertainty about the U.S.’s commitment to its defense have pushed U.S.-Japan tensions to levels not seen in recent years. However, he added that reducing dependence on the U.S. is easy said but hard done. He commented, “If the two countries reach a trade agreement before August 1st, this concern might fade. But Abe’s remarks reflect a genuine and widespread sentiment.”