As Next Trump-Kim Summit Nears, Japan Worries U.S. Will Leave It in the Dark

Both Trump and Kim are stalling, each for their own reasons, by arranging a window-dressed second meeting. Except for suspending nuclear bomb and missile testing Kim continues stockpiling these weapons. But Trump is silent on this issue because he is afraid that his highly suspect, yet highly touted approach with Kim, which gained him some accolades, will fall apart if he now threatens or otherwise forces Kim to give up his (Kim's) game plan of also stalling progress on the denuclearizing of the Korean peninsula. Trump also needs China's help, but that has been complicated by his recent joust with Xi, who in turn is now chumming up with Kim. Not to blemish his Korean initiative, Trump may well strike a devil's deal with Kim and Xi at the exclusion of both Japan and South Korea. And these countries are aware of what Trump may be ready to risk in order to have a deal - likely short-lived - for a nuclear free Korea to add to his great accomplishments. Both the North and China have much to gain in such a scenario.

With the exception of the United States, Japan does not have any natural normal allies nor friends in this area. Korea was once a colony of the Japanese Empire. About 30 million Chinese died during the" Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" where the Japanese Empire attempted to make Manchuko part of Japan during World War II. Japan defeated Russia in the Russo- Japanese War at the dawn of the last century. Japan lured America into World War II by attacking Pearl Harbor. While Japan has the nominal #3 GDP world economy it is an aging and shrinking nation with a below replacement level birthrate. Japan has more enriched weapons grade nuclear material than any nation without nuclear weapons. Japan's military is limited to a self-defense role. See " War Without Out Mercy: Race and Power in the Pacific War" John Dower

When you are dealing with America’s psychopathic President there is no trust. Trump is not normal

Will trump fly commercial if the government is still shut down?

The insanity of this situation is that the North Koreans are more reliable ... more STABLE ... than is the "president of the United States". We have a good idea of what the NK's are doing, their goal, their method of getting what they want ... that's not even close to being the case with Trump.

No more in the dark than we are, Japan.

The under-reported recent major incident in the Japan Sea, in which a South Korean navy vessel was spotted by the Japanese while helping a relatively modern fishing boat from the North, made the Japanese go further in doubting the sincerity of the South in pushing for the removal of the North's nuclear and missiles programs. That incident was truly grave for at least two headline worthy eldments. First, the North's boat did not send distress signal as it perhaps faced technical problems or run out of fuel while fishing illegally in Japan's EEZ. But somehow, the South's navy arrived on the spot. Some secret communication between the North and the South took place - an effort of jointly cheating the international agreements. Second, that navy vessel of the South used a radar that is exclusively set up for the firing of anti-aircraft weapons when it was spotted by a Japanese P1 surveillance aircraft. The Japanese contacted the South's vessel but there was no response, a clear and utmost neglect of international conventions. Given this sort of incident, it is only possible to think that the Japanese would sharply raise its standards of self-defence with or without any signal from DT. Maybe that sort of development is convenient for DT.

Not to worry this is a big show by Trump to try and get the attention off of his many failures.He loves the TV attention and really thinks he is charming if we only could see and hear him. Un knows him, plays him and will offer to stop any new nucs but keep the many he already has. This has been his position and it will not change. Trump.of course, will not be prepared and will try and do his usual improvisation . Result? No change,

No wonder Japan is concerned. When you are dealing with American’s psychopathic President nothing is certain. Google psychopath!

Japan shouldn't worry. Like last time, nothing will be accomplished by our goggle-eyed, so-called president.

Why on earth any country trusts any one specially USA about permanent political relationships and affiliations . There are only permanent interests !Did any one notice how we treated Canada our most reliable immediate neighbor ,in favor of Saudi Arabia ‘s beloved Prince ?Also remember Afghanistan and Pakistan as an example ! Who used Pakistan for a decade to declare War against Russia and training Taliban including OBL declaring them so called ‘Mujahidin’ ? Even a Congress man directly supported them from Texas ( Wilson’s ‘s war movie ) ! Same so called Mujahidin and freedom fighter when fighting on behalf of USA against Russia were rejected and classified as nothing but terrorist once Russia was defeated and exited Afghanistan . Millions of Pakistanis innocent civilians in Pakistan and Afghanistan have died as collateral damage and terrorism continues as a direct result of foreign intervention. Pakistan which got billions in aid for directly supporting these Taliban to fight the war on behalf of US was thrown under the bus and never is doing enough against terrorism as country which had defense pacts with USA while India had defense pact with USSR during Cold War . How political interests prevail over any thing ethical . In fact why are we forgetting what Europe has done for USA in any war after end of World wars ? How are we treating those so called Allies ?

Should be no travel or meeting with Kim until trump agrees to reopen the government. He seems to want to spend money the country doesn't have to spend. How can he justify the extra security by people not being paid to provide him with cover in a foreign country (that may still be hostile to the US)? Japan is worried? I don't think anyone is worried about Japan. Other countries will step in when America leaves them floundering. What about the American people who aren't being paid? They are worried.

Sorry Mr. Abe, but why should Japan be any different? We Americans have been left in the dark as well. Perhaps we should all tune into Fox news for the update. They seem to be calling the shots these days.

While Prime Ministee Abe has skillfully stayed on Trump’s good side with praise and restraint, there is a limit to that strategy. As American politicians and every day Americans have learned on a daily basis, Trump is not only incapable of doing the job of president of the United States, his only concern is himself and his image. Furthermore, there is the unnerving Russian influence in his decision making. There is no one Trump won’t sell out for a phony public relations win, except Vladimir Putin.

Japan should worry. Americans worry. We have an unpredictable, uneducated and unreliable President who will sell out our allies if it means 15 minutes of grandiose tweets at 2 am.

Trump needs to be prevented from engaging with foreign leaders. He doesn't think before he speaks and is incapable of listening. He is a detrimental representative in all respects.

After more than two year, it is abundantly clear that Donald J Trump is impetuous and easily manipulated. His behavior's clearly indicate he often makes it up as he is going along. In the calculated world of diplomats and diplomacy the President is a loose cannon. His policies are nothing but platitudes and campaign slogans. With the constant turnover in his cabinet and the multiple unfilled positions in his administration it's impossible to believe there is some grand overarching vision. Japan, NATO and all our allies should be concerned.

Mr. Abe has every reason for concern: based on Trump's previous behavior, Abe can rightly fear that carried away by the sound of his own voice and eagerness to "win", Trump may forget that Japan even exists. Abe may also be concerned that absent guidance notes for his staff and cabinet, and witnesses to the conversation, Trump may forget what he said and what he had agreed to. Abe and members of Trump's administration should form a support group.

And what about South Korea which has a younger and more productive population and is a stronger and more vibrant economy? Trump doesn't have or refuses to heed the experienced area advisors. He also seems unable to appreciate the historic importance of US strategic positions.