Ahead of US-China Summit, Japanese LDP Senior Official Expresses Concern Over US Stance on Taiwan
Ahead of the upcoming US-China summit, former Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera expressed concern that any wavering in the US stance on Taiwan could have significant implications for allies. This highlights Japan's interest in how US-China relations will affect East Asian security.
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- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 12:22
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WASHINGTON (CNA) -- Itsunori Onodera, a former Japanese Defense Minister from the Liberal Democratic Party, stated at a seminar in the United States today, regarding the upcoming US-China leaders' summit, that "if President Trump's remarks on the Taiwan issue show any wavering compared to his past statements, it will have a significant impact on allied nations."
According to Jiji Press, Onodera's remarks also conveyed his intention to closely monitor the interactions at the US-China summit.
Onodera recently visited the United States and made the aforementioned remarks today at a seminar held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C.
The report noted that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks last year in the Diet regarding a "Taiwan contingency" have recently worsened relations between Japan and China, while US President Trump's current stance is to maintain distance from the Japan-China confrontation.
Within the Japanese government, there are also concerns that Trump might prioritize reaching an agreement with China, thereby weakening US engagement in East Asia. Onodera emphasized in response, "The United States should continue to take a firm approach."
Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attended the seminar alongside Onodera. Fujita also called for "the United States to demonstrate unwavering commitment" at the event.
The Japan Innovation Party and the Liberal Democratic Party are currently partners in the ruling coalition.
Kyodo News reported that Onodera also stated at the seminar that Japan and neighboring countries are concerned about China's moves to strengthen its military.
Fujita, meanwhile, believes that if US engagement in East Asia, including Taiwan, wavers, it will directly affect Japan. (Compiled by Yang Wei-ching) 1150505
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According to Jiji Press, Onodera's remarks also conveyed his intention to closely monitor the interactions at the US-China summit.
Onodera recently visited the United States and made the aforementioned remarks today at a seminar held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C.
The report noted that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks last year in the Diet regarding a "Taiwan contingency" have recently worsened relations between Japan and China, while US President Trump's current stance is to maintain distance from the Japan-China confrontation.
Within the Japanese government, there are also concerns that Trump might prioritize reaching an agreement with China, thereby weakening US engagement in East Asia. Onodera emphasized in response, "The United States should continue to take a firm approach."
Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attended the seminar alongside Onodera. Fujita also called for "the United States to demonstrate unwavering commitment" at the event.
The Japan Innovation Party and the Liberal Democratic Party are currently partners in the ruling coalition.
Kyodo News reported that Onodera also stated at the seminar that Japan and neighboring countries are concerned about China's moves to strengthen its military.
Fujita, meanwhile, believes that if US engagement in East Asia, including Taiwan, wavers, it will directly affect Japan. (Compiled by Yang Wei-ching) 1150505
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.