How Trump Could Push China and Japan Together

In his 2017 article for The Diplomat, Robert Dujarric examines how President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy could inadvertently encourage closer cooperation between China and Japan. Dujarric argues that Trump’s erratic behavior—marked by aggressive rhetoric, trade threats, and disregard for traditional alliances—poses challenges for both Tokyo and Beijing, potentially prompting them to find common ground to navigate the uncertainties of the Trump era. This analysis underscores the unintended consequences of U.S. leadership volatility on East Asian geopolitics.

Dujarric highlights that while China and Japan have historically been regional rivals, Trump’s actions might push them toward pragmatic collaboration. Shared concerns over U.S. protectionism, potential military conflicts, and the undermining of established international norms could lead to a strategic rapprochement between the two nations. This perspective invites a reevaluation of regional dynamics and the importance of stable leadership in maintaining global order.