# Japan Monitors Potential Shifts in US Foreign Policy Priorities Tokyo fears Trump may prioritize quick diplomatic wins over regional alliance stability. - **Source:** [DW – Top Stories](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d861486b-4e7f-4fbc-b815-6f972777e454 ## APEC Summit Anticipation Global leaders prepare for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for November 18-19 in Shenzhen. Japan is closely observing Washington's stance, fearing that President Donald Trump might seek rapid diplomatic victories following recent midterm election losses. Tokyo remains concerned that these maneuvers could disregard the specific security interests of regional allies. ## Diplomatic Outreach Efforts Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi recently met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Paris during the G7 summit. The two officials pledged to advance security cooperation to bolster the Japan-US alliance's deterrence capabilities. Despite this public commitment, Tokyo continues to seek clarity regarding Washington's long-term intentions in the Indo-Pacific region. ## Transactional Diplomacy Risks Experts suggest that a weakened domestic position may drive President Trump toward transactional foreign policy decisions. There is significant apprehension in Tokyo that Taiwan could be treated as a mere bargaining chip in negotiations with China. Such a shift would complicate Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s efforts to navigate the already strained Sino-Japanese relationship. ## Rare Earth Export Tensions Japan has expressed frustration regarding the lack of US support during recent trade disputes with China. When Beijing imposed rare earth export restrictions following comments on Taiwan, the Trump administration reportedly viewed the feud as a local issue. This perceived indifference has raised questions in Tokyo about the reliability of current American commitments. ## Concerns Over Strategic Outreach Beyond China, Tokyo is wary of Washington’s evolving positions toward North Korea and Russia. While the US-Japan alliance remains intact, outreach to Moscow and Pyongyang creates anxiety regarding regional stability. Analysts note that if American policy appears soft, it could erode Japanese trust in the alliance, which serves as a primary military base. ## Lack of Alternative Strategy Japan’s national security strategy is fundamentally built upon the cornerstone of the US alliance. Currently, Tokyo lacks a viable 'plan B' should the partnership unravel or weaken significantly. Developing autonomous defense capabilities remains unrealistic in the short term due to limitations in the domestic defense industry and a critical lack of intelligence resources. ## Diversifying Security Partnerships Over the last decade, Tokyo has proactively expanded its security network beyond the United States. Japan has strengthened defense cooperation with European Union members, NATO, and Australia. By joining various minilateral frameworks across the Indo-Pacific, including partnerships with the Philippines, Japan aims to play a more proactive role in shaping regional security architecture. ## Future Strategic Outlook Tokyo hopes to avoid major regional clashes during the remainder of the current US administration's term. However, experts emphasize that hope is not a substitute for strategy. Japan must continue to demonstrate its commitment to security through increased defense spending and economic safeguards to protect its interests until a new administration takes office. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dw.com/en/japan-watches-for-signs-of-change-in-trump-s-foreign-policy-priorities/a-79909398?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-rdf — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._