ALBAWABA - Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump had a difficult confrontation during a recent meeting after the conversation turned to Japan’s expanding military posture in the region.
Several sources cited by the Financial Times said Xi was particularly incensed by Japan’s intentions to expand defence spending and relax long-standing constitutional constraints on its military forces. The subject allegedly created the most tense moment of the meeting, surprising numerous U.S. officials who said it was not on the agenda for discussion.
The Chinese leader expressed grave concern that Tokyo’s military development could threaten regional stability and upset the balance of power in East Asia, sources familiar with the talks said. Beijing has frequently criticised Japan’s attempts to bolster its defence capability, viewing them through the lens of historical tensions and rising strategic competition in the region.
Trump was reported to have pushed back against the criticism, saying Japan has real security challenges and a responsibility to beef up its defenses. Tokyo’s policy revisions were due to continuing threats from North Korea and broader regional security concerns, he said.
The row has highlighted one of Asia's most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints, with China concerned of the increasingly strong security alliance between the United States and Japan. The swap underscores how security issues continue to have the potential to derail efforts by Washington and Beijing to repair ties despite recent diplomatic engagement, analysts say.
After the conference, Trump reportedly called Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to reiterate U.S. support for Japan and the strength of the two countries’ partnership.
The episode comes as Japan tries to increase defense expenditure to about 2 percent of gross domestic product and undertake wider security reforms, which have been criticized by Beijing but backed by Washington and other Asian allies.
The reported clash is a reminder that while the United States and China endeavor to control tensions, they have yet to settle deeper concerns over security and influence in the Indo-Pacific.
