On October 21, Japan replaced the new prime minister, High Market Morning Sun. When she took office, she didn't have time, and the diplomatic arrangements were full. Just as most people were still guessing how she would handle the US-Japan relationship, a news suddenly emerged: she intended to buy large-scale American soybeans.
This matter may seem like ordinary trade, but in fact there are many tricks behind it. Just this year, China no longer buys American soybeans, and Trump is eager to make assignments to agricultural states. Japan's move seems particularly "timely."
This is not a simple sale, but a transaction with political signals. With a soybean order, Takaichi Sanae opened a new bureau in US-Japan relations and pushed Japan to the corner of Sino-US competition.
“A Gift to Trump”
The time for Ho Chi Minh to take office, happened to catch the schedule of the visit of U.S. President Trump. Her first formal meeting with Trump was seen by the outside as a key link to whether her political position could stand.
Although Japan's domestic relations with the United States have always been stable, every new prime minister has to personally rebuild a layer of trust. This time, Gaoshi Zaomiao chose to directly hand over a "big economic order."
Her team is pushing forward a procurement plan that includes not only soybeans, but also areas of Trump’s interest in automotive, natural gas, etc. But soybeans are at the core.
This choice is obviously not a casual choice, but an accurate calculation of Trump's preferences. Considering that Trump has always been particularly sensitive to export figures, especially the export of agricultural products, this "soybean list" has naturally become the first choice for Takaichi Sanae to "show kindness".
From a political perspective, this is a very direct expression of sincerity. Gaoshi did not beat around the bush, but chose to take practical economic actions to pave the way. She knows that no matter how beautiful diplomatic words are, they are not as practical as actual orders. What Trump wants is performance, and Japan gives it exactly.
At the beginning of her tenure, this was also the fastest and safest route. She needed to build a personal image on international occasions, and also to stabilize the basic disc in domestic politics. At this time, proving a position, getting closer to the United States, was a way that seemed to be insured but also needed skills. She chose "economic first", avoiding direct expression, but also clearly showing her direction.
China does not buy, the United States is anxious, Japan is just "connecting"
In recent months, China has suddenly reduced or even suspended imports of U.S. soybeans. While China hasn’t explicitly explained why, the entire international market is watching what’s behind it. The U.S. side’s reaction is also obvious, and Trump has repeatedly regarded China’s “not buying soybeans” as a disrespect for the agreement, and even criticized, saying China has failed to meet its promises.
At this time, Japan suddenly proposed to make large-scale purchases, obviously not coincidentally. The decision of the high market, just picked up that "empty" in the heart of the United States. Trump is at the forefront of this matter, Japan sent a solution, this behavior in international politics, is usually understood as "intentionally".
Moreover, the relationship between China and the United States is not calm at this time. Friction between the two countries in tariffs, technology, energy and other fields continues. Especially at the trade level, soybeans are a very symbolic item. On the one hand, China does not buy, and on the other hand, Japan does. This comparison itself gives the United States a psychological advantage.
This Japanese kick was undoubtedly a foot in the gap in the Chinese-American game. Though High Market did not publicly support which side, she expressed her tendency with action. This “silent choice” is more effective than anything. Trump obviously also sees this as an important diplomatic support, rather than ordinary market behavior.
An order linking two paths: political convergence and strategic layout
This step of Gao Shi early seedling is not just as simple as helping Trump solve his urgent needs. More deeply, she tried to take this opportunity to push Japan's position forward.
First of all, the United States will value Japan more because of this. This is not empty talk, but a reflection of actual interests. In Trump's eyes, whether allies are useful depends on whether they can help at critical moments. This order from Japan is the most intuitive proof. It means that Japan is not only willing to shoulder the obligations of security cooperation, but also willing to share the pressure economically. For Trump, who views the world with a "transactional mindset", this behavior is a bonus.
Second, Japan has also released signals to China. Although this purchase did not point to sexual speech, but in China it seems that Japan is proactively approaching the United States at this time, filling the soybean gap, has illustrated the attitude. With such a move, China reminds the Chinese to pay attention to the sense of Japanese presence. This "margin interference" may not immediately trigger counter-repression, but it does change the situation.
More importantly, Japan is borrowing this move and is also fighting for more space for itself. In the current international pattern, the competition between China and the United States is increasingly fierce and small countries are easily marginalized. But the strategy of the high market is to make Japan an inescapable presence by "taking hands" on key issues. From this perspective, she is not simply favouring the United States, but is building Japan's own strategic position with limited resources.
Budget-conscious adventure, risks and opportunities coexist
Of course, this kind of procurement plan with strategic intentions is not without cost.
In Japan, it has always been controversial whether to further increase dependence on American agricultural products. In particular, the food industry and agricultural groups have a clear need for the diversity of import sources. Takaichi Sanae's decision may make some companies face the problem of cost adjustment. In addition, American commodity prices do not always have an advantage. Whether this kind of "political procurement" conforms to market rules is a potential hidden danger.
Another question is whether China will respond to Japan's actions. Although there is currently no direct conflict between China and Japan in the soybean field, they are highly dependent on each other in other parts of the economic field. If China views Japan's actions as a block to its own trade strategy, it may retaliate in other areas in the future. This chain reaction is something Japan must evaluate carefully.
Another point that cannot be overlooked is that the attitude of the U.S. government varies greatly. Trump’s policy style is always jumping, saying good things today and may turn his face tomorrow. Can Japan invest political capital in exchange for a stable return? This is still an unknown number. If the situation changes, the high market may be forced to adjust the policy direction.
Nevertheless, international politics has never been static. The choice of the high market at this time demonstrated her sensitivity and judgment of the situation. She was not taking over the past diplomatic routes, but was trying to incorporate Japanese interests into the gap of the competition of the great powers in a more flexible way.
conclusion
This soybeans deal is not only as simple as importing once.It is the first public demonstration of the direction of the foreign policy of the high market, but also a strategic stone with a probing nature.
She didn't say anything to death, but her actions have released Japan's position very clearly. Against the background of intensified confrontation between China and the United States, she did not choose to be completely neutral. Instead, she used a seemingly economic operation to send support to the United States and show a bottom line to China.
It can be seen from this that Gao Shi Zao Miao is not a completely conservative leader. She is willing to take some risks and strive for greater diplomatic space. But the question is whether this strategy will work in the long run depends on how the situation goes next. If Sino-US relations continue to be tense, Japan may be dragged deeper; but if she can respond flexibly, she may really open up a new path for Japan through the cracks.
In short, this soybean order is not just a sale, but also a political start. From this perspective, takaichi sanae's first step is not light or heavy, but it is very weighty.
Source of information: Trump's visit to Japan next week to "urge investment", Sanae Takaichi draws up a basket of purchasing plans to please-Sina Finance