As Trump Diplomacy Shakes the World, How Will Japan React?

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"Trump theater" has begun, and the world is watching the drama with bated breath. While the Ukraine war has entered its fourth year, the United States Trump administration is using high-pressure diplomatic negotiations to bring it to an end.

On February 28, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a heated argument at the White House. As a result, the scheduled signing of an agreement on mineral resource rights was postponed. The scene was broadcast live worldwide, leaving many stunned by the unprecedented, almost theatrical spectacle.

A Wake-Up Call

Next, the stage shifted to Europe. Realizing they could no longer rely on the United States, European nations announced plans for rearmament and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, rearmament cannot happen overnight. And with countries like Hungary maintaining a pro-Russian stance, it is complicated.

The crucial point, though, is that Trump's actions have served as a wake-up call for Europe itself.

Ukraine, too, took a step back to reassess the situation. Confronted with the reality that it could not sustain a prolonged war with Russia without American support, it signaled a willingness to accept a ceasefire. In response, the US resumed military and intelligence aid to Ukraine, which had been suspended after the recent summit.

Russia, in turn, expressed openness to discussions with the US, at least on the surface.

*US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28. (©Reuters via Kyodo)*

Unpredictable Outcomes

Though it may seem inappropriate to say so, the rapid and unpredictable developments resemble a Shakespearean drama. What moves will Russian President Vladimir Putin make? Even if a ceasefire is reached, will it truly hold? The outcome of this real-life drama remains uncertain, demanding our continued attention.

The following editorial from The Sankei Shimbun was published in English on JAPAN Forward on March 3:

Ukraine War: US Sympathy for Aggressor Russia is Unforgivable

After analyzing the breakdown of US-Ukraine discussions, the editorial notes that a related event took place a few days earlier. When the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution supporting Ukraine in the ongoing invasion, the US joined Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and a few other nations in voting against it.

The editorial criticizes the Trump administration, calling its actions "extremely unfortunate" and asking, "Has the US forgotten that, in 1994, it signed the Budapest Memorandum with the United Kingdom and Russia?"

Criticism is an essential function of the media, and there is nothing inherently wrong with it. But of course, Ukraine is not part of the United States.

Notably, though, the editorial's critique of the US mirrors the image of Japan's own tendency to rely on America for its security. Meanwhile, Japan clings to idealistic rhetoric instead of facing its independent obligations for national defense.

Japan's Dependence on the US

Since its defeat in World War II, Japan has lived under the protection of the United States, constructing an illusory world of peace as if cocooned in a dream. But the world has entered a dangerous era where aggressive nations pursue their interests through military power, including nuclear weapons.

Russia is not the only threat. The Japan Institute for National Fundamentals has revealed, through satellite image analyses, that since 2018, China has been steadily deploying new nuclear missiles capable of penetrating Japan's missile defense systems.

Rather than fixating on criticizing Trump and trying to shape a hostile public perception, the Japanese media should accurately report on Trump's goals. Japanese people need to understand why he was elected, not why the old media wishes he hadn't been. Failing to help Japanese people understand the true situation would be a tragedy for an allied nation.

The Media's Role

Where does Japan's path to survival lie? Japan must awaken from its dream, face reality, strengthen its defense capabilities, and embark on the path to becoming a truly independent nation.

The "Trump theater" has only just begun. And it is not just about the Ukraine war — sequels include confrontations with China, tariff wars, and even issues like the ownership of Greenland and the return of the Panama Canal.

What national interests should Japan prioritize? It is crucial for Japan, including Japanese media, to effectively communicate its policies and actions to the global stage.

Watch for the next issue on April 14.

JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to amplify Japan's voice worldwide in both English and Japanese. To join us in shaping our vision together or for inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.