to the editor: The conflicting articles on page A-2 of the October 29 Los Angeles Times present an interesting dichotomy, showing both the vulnerabilities of President Trump's trade approach toward China and some strengths regarding strengthening bilateral ties with Japan (“News Analysis: Trade Deal or Trade Truce? Questions Remain as Trump Meets China's Xi”; “Trump joins Japan's new prime minister in saying his nation is delivering on American investments”. October 28).
The former carries enormous risks for the success of American foreign policy. If China displaces the United States as the leading power in the Pacific, the consequences for freedom in the region and the rules-based international order will be serious. Not addressing this as a security threat would be a mistake.
Fortunately, the trip to Japan is promising for the future of the region. Deterring China depends on the United States maintaining clear commitments to its long-standing allies, especially Japan and South Korea. Although Trump prioritized trade on his trip to Japan, as he likely will when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his new stated commitment to Japan-U.S. security ties is a good starting point for a comprehensive strategy to protect freedom in the Pacific.
Charlie Henry, The Second
