What is the intention behind President Trump's "inequality" remark on security treaties? [From Tomo Sugimura's newsletter]
From the investment newsletter “Sugimura Tomio Investment Salon” by Sugimura Tomio provided by GogoJungle, here is a small excerpt from today’s dispatch.
President Trump's基本 stance is Mad Man Theory (ruthless strategy) and performance diplomacy. The author noted at his inauguration this sounded like a “tabloid showcase.” The G20 summit and the sudden US-North Korea summit here are mere appeals ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
In reality, there was no real benefit to anything. But for him, that doesn’t matter. If it becomes a topic of conversation, that is enough, perhaps. Moreover, global stock markets responded positively. This entire sequence of performances is part of his re-election strategy.
What is the meaning of reports by American news agencies (Bloomberg) and Fox News that Trump said, “The U.S.-Japan Security Treaty is unequal. It could be scrapped”?
Well, this is his typical impulsive remark, or a comment aimed at the public (aware of the election). “If Japan is attacked, America will protect Japan at any cost. But when America is attacked, Japan will do nothing. You’re watching this on Sony’s TV.” This is certainly his belief, and I think Japan is aware that, constitutionally, it cannot intervene in foreign wars.
Thus, before the G20, his remarks may have been a strategic nudge toward the Japan-U.S. free-trade talks? or perhaps a nudge supportive of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s constitutional revision ambitions (assisting a revision by saying, “Your country, defend it yourself”)
The U.S. Navy base at Yokosuka houses the 7th Fleet, with operations spanning the Pacific and Indian Oceans, half the globe as its theater. The Air Force’s Kadena base has an area twice that of Haneda Airport and is the largest airbase in the Far East. Abolishing the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty would mean losing almost all of Asia’s military bases. In short, it would mark the loss of American hegemony.
“Sugimura Tomio Investment Salon” (Sugimura Tomio)quoted.
Trump’s remarks seem to reflect considerations such as a plan for reelection next year and for Abe’s constitutional revision. However, since they do not actually contemplate abandoning the treaty, they should be regarded as highly performance-driven remarks. (Editor)
