The APEC conference for this year has just concluded in Peru, with Japanese media suggesting that Japan should strengthen cooperation with Peru in the field of economic security to counter China’s expanding “Belt and Road” strategy in the United States’ backyard. Analysts believe that the Japan-US alliance will become even more solid with the return of President Trump to the White House.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held talks with Peruvian President Pedro Boruarte on November 17 at the APEC venue in Lima, Peru. They issued a joint statement committing to enhancing the vital mineral supply chain between the two countries and approved a 10-year action plan for cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economics, defense, and other areas.
Ishiba emphasized during the joint press conference that both countries will work towards maintaining and strengthening the international order and expanding cooperation in the energy sector.
An article in the Japanese newspaper “Nikkei Shimbun” on the 18th stated, “Peru is one of the world’s mineral-rich countries, producing silver, copper, and zinc. To ensure stable mineral supply, Japan seeks to enhance cooperation with Peru in terms of economic security to counter China’s increasing influence in the region through leveraging infrastructure development.”
China’s “Belt and Road” initiative has already expanded into Central and South America, known as the United States’ backyard. During the APEC summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping remotely attended the inauguration ceremony of the new port in Peru, the Chancay Port. This port is expected to significantly reduce shipping time and become a new generation giant container port, further showcasing China’s influence in Peru.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Peruvian newspaper “Hildebrandt” quoted senior Peruvian officials as saying that the “star” of this APEC summit was Xi, not Biden. The report featured a chessboard where nearly half of it was occupied by red squares, symbolizing China’s “game in Peru.” Xi has turned Peru into China’s chessboard and aims to dominate the game. China has invested heavily in South America, strategically aiming to make the United States’ backyard its stronghold.
“Hildebrandt” emphasized that China’s investment in Peru is not just a numerical issue but also a geopolitical one. China selectively establishes its foothold in Peru and gradually builds its influence. The purpose is to push the United States into a corner. American media also referred to China’s construction of a giant port in Peru as planting its flag in the “American backyard,” causing the United States to feel uneasy.
Professor Li Dengke from the Department of Diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taiwan told “The Epoch Times” that during the time of President Monroe, the United States introduced the “Monroe Doctrine,” which states that the entire Americas should be under American authority and serve as the strategic rear for the U.S. For over a century, the U.S. has had a dominant or leading role in most affairs in the Americas.
“However, in the past decade,” Professor Li said, “the trade between the U.S. and the Americas has been limited, while trade between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region has become increasingly close. As the economic development of South American countries lags, they need an alternative economic entity to the U.S. Hence, China has seized an opportunity to expand the ‘Belt and Road’ to the Americas. China has penetrated the U.S. backyard.”
He believes that due to China’s deep economic infiltration in the Americas, there are security risks in the supply chains of mineral products, among others. Therefore, for the security of Japan’s domestic mineral industry chain, Japan must strengthen cooperation with countries in the region. “Now Japan is willing to enhance investment and economic exchanges with South American countries to share the burden with the United States, which is strategically significant.”
“Furthermore, if the United States and its allies, including Taiwan, can help accelerate economic development and strengthen economic and trade cooperation with South American countries, it will reduce illegal immigration into the United States, thereby consolidating its backyard. This is a win-win situation and a very important strategy,” he said.
Ishiba held a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who attended the APEC summit. During the meeting, Ishiba expressed “extreme concern” over China’s increasingly active military activities, including Chinese military aircraft invading Japanese airspace in August. He also mentioned the stabbing incident in Shenzhen in September where a Japanese boy tragically lost his life, urging China to ensure the safety of Japanese residents in China. Xi expressed willingness to enhance communication and cooperation with Ishiba to promote long-term stable development of Sino-Japanese relations.
Nikkei Shimbun stated in another report on November 16 that some Japanese public opinion believes that China has hope for the Ishiba government because Ishiba has expressed interest in reexamining the Japan-US Military Status Agreement and keeping a distance from Yasukuni Shrine visits. On historical issues, he is also expected to take a more moderate stance.
Since Ishiba’s candidacy for the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, there have been voices in Japanese public opinion suggesting that he is not tough enough on China, raising concerns about affecting the Japan-US alliance, eventually posing threats to the Taiwan Strait, Asia-Pacific, and even Japan’s security and peace.
Professor Li Dengke stated, “Although Shinzo Abe is no longer in power and there is some instability in Japanese politics, the fundamental policy towards China formed during the Abe era has not changed. Regardless of who becomes the Japanese prime minister, they all know that China is Japan’s most important opponent.”
During the APEC summit, Ishiba also held talks with U.S. President Biden, with both leaders agreeing to continue strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and further developing relations with like-minded countries such as the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, continuing close cooperation in relevant international affairs.
Analysis suggests that Ishiba adheres to the diplomatic line of Abe, which is reflected in his position on Taiwan. On the 16th, Ishiba met with Lin Xinyi, a representative from Taiwan attending the APEC summit, for about 50 minutes. Ishiba emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed Japan’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Taiwan.
During the meeting, Ishiba also stated that Taiwan and Japan have close economic relations, frequent personnel exchanges, making Taiwan a crucial partner and cherished friend of Japan. Ishiba expressed intentions to expand cooperation and exchanges in a wide range of areas, including disaster prevention. Lin Xinyi expressed hopes for further strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations. Last year, during the APEC summit held in the United States, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also met with Taiwanese representatives.
Taiwan is a member of APEC, but due to China’s opposition, it has always been represented by business leaders and opposition party leaders instead of the president at the summit. This year, Taiwan sent former Vice Premier Lin Xinyi to attend the summit.
Professor Li Dengke believes that despite Abe’s absence and some instability in Japanese politics, the basic direction of U.S.-Japan relations is unlikely to change. The security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan is highly valued by both sides. Moreover, Trump will only demand that Japan play a more significant role but will not abandon the U.S.-Japan alliance. However, he will require allies, whether in Asia or Europe, to increase defense budgets.
He said, “In the future, the triangular relationship between the U.S., Japan, and China should revolve around the U.S.-Japan alliance and urge China to exercise restraint in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. Over the next four years, conflict between China and the U.S. is unlikely. Xi Jinping knows that he cannot provoke Trump. Trump will make America stronger and also strengthen the power of its allies.”