Japanese Prime Minister's 'Hospitality Diplomacy' That Moved Trump... Avoiding Tariff War [AK Radio]

"Praising Trump as 'Chosen by God'"
Avoiding Tariff War through Expanded LNG Imports and Increased Investment in the U.S.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru visited the United States on the 7th (local time) and held his first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. During this meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba attracted international attention by showcasing a groundbreaking 'hospitality diplomacy.' In particular, he highly praised President Trump as "a person chosen by God," directly referencing the photo of Trump enduring a shooting during a Pennsylvania rally, clenching his fist and standing up, demonstrating thorough preparation. While Ishiba's diplomatic style was criticized by some as excessively submissive, it was generally regarded as achieving strategic success.

Prime Minister Ishiba thoroughly analyzed President Trump's tastes and tendencies to attempt a customized approach. Notably, taking into account Trump's fondness for gold, he prepared a gift of a samurai helmet coated with pure gold leaf specially ordered from traditional craftsmen in his hometown, Doto-ri Prefecture. Named the 'Helmet of Eternity,' it conveyed the wish for President Trump's glory to last forever, evoking deep emotion. This meticulous preparation was the result of simulating various scenarios well before the summit.

Ishiba's 'submissive diplomacy' faced some criticism within Japan but was evaluated as yielding tangible diplomatic achievements. The greatest accomplishment was completely avoiding the anticipated tariff war with the United States. Japan promised to expand imports of U.S.-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) and increase investment in the U.S. by $1 trillion (approximately 1456 trillion won), successfully extinguishing the spark of trade disputes early. Especially in contrast to Canada, Mexico, and China, which were directly hit by the tariff war, Japan was praised for resolving the issue very smoothly.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is giving a speech at the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 7th (local time). Prime Minister Ishiba brought out a photo taken last July showing President Trump getting shot during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and then standing up again, praising him as "a person chosen by God." Photo by EPA and Yonhap News

Notably, the decision to expand LNG imports was also beneficial for Japan. During the Biden administration, LNG exports to Europe increased, limiting exports to the Asian region, but this agreement secured a stable energy supply line for Japan. This was evaluated as a win-win strategy beneficial to both countries.

Significant achievements were also made in terms of security. Although the increase in defense spending was already planned by Japan in preparation for a contingency in Taiwan, it had the additional effect of reaffirming U.S. security guarantees for the Okinawa region. Experts assess that Japan proactively made necessary concessions to avoid unnecessary friction and, rather, enhanced its negotiating power.

Japan's successful summit is influencing the diplomatic strategies of other countries. In particular, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing a Japanese-style 'customized diplomacy' ahead of his scheduled meeting with President Trump on the 12th. India has preemptively announced tariff reductions on U.S.-made products and is considering shifting its arms imports, previously focused on China and Russia, to the United States. Additionally, India is actively exploring the participation of U.S. companies instead of European firms in large-scale nuclear power plant construction projects.

The 'Samurai Helmet' gifted by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to U.S. President Donald Trump during their summit on the 7th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News.

South Korea is currently facing difficulties in proactive diplomacy with the U.S. due to a leadership vacuum amid the impeachment political crisis. Concerns have been raised that the North Korean nuclear issue could become a variable in the U.S.-China trade negotiations. Analysts warn that if President Trump attempts direct negotiations with North Korea excluding the South Korean government, as he did during his first term, South Korea could suffer losses not only economically but also in terms of security interests.

Moreover, responding to the recent anti-tariff coalition movement led by China has emerged as an urgent task. China is pushing to form a coalition of several countries in the international community to counter the Trump administration's tariff policies. As a major trading partner in Asia, South Korea is likely to receive requests to participate in this movement, but the current political situation makes swift responses difficult.

Experts point out that South Korea must quickly restore political stability and resume normal diplomacy. Especially amid the rapidly changing international order since President Trump's inauguration, there is an urgent need to establish a comprehensive diplomatic strategy encompassing both economic and security aspects. Japan's case provides a lesson that thorough preparation and strategic approaches can avoid trade pressures and secure national interests. Going forward, South Korea is expected to refer to these lessons while formulating an independent diplomatic strategy that considers its unique circumstances and national interests.