Recent Remarks by US Ambassador to Japan on China’s Economic Influence
US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has recently expressed concerns about China exporting its domestic economic problems to other regions around the world, reinforcing the determination of the US and its allies to stand united against China.
According to Emanuel, China will not win any “good neighbor” awards as it poses economic and strategic challenges to its neighboring countries. He cited ongoing conflicts between China and various countries in the Indo-Pacific region, such as border skirmishes with India, missile launches into Japan’s economic zone, and harassment of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Emanuel also criticized China’s price subsidies and overcapacity issues, echoing similar concerns raised by the Group of Seven (G7). They argue that Beijing’s actions are harming the economies of its trading partners.
In addition, Emanuel has accused China of using economic coercion tactics to pressure countries like Japan and the Philippines. He considers this to be China’s “most enduring and harmful tool” in its foreign relations.
The Biden administration has been working with Japan and other allies in the region to counter China’s attempts to isolate Asian countries, including the Philippines.
Last month, President Biden announced a comprehensive increase in tariffs on a range of Chinese imports, aimed at protecting American workers and businesses from unfair trade practices.
While China denies any overcapacity issues, President Xi Jinping asserts that China’s exports help alleviate global inflation and support the transition to clean energy.
Emanuel emphasized that the US is a permanent presence in the Pacific region and will collaborate with its partners to maintain long-term security and economic ties.
According to Emanuel, countries in the region, from Japan to South Korea, Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and even Vietnam, value the US presence to prevent unchecked Chinese influence that disregards their sovereignty.
Emanuel highlighted that countries prefer to maintain their sovereignty rather than being dictated by others on what they can or cannot have.
In response to Emanuel’s remarks, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing stated, “I don’t know why he said that.”