The Domestic Politics of Suga’s China Stance
At the Biden-Suga summit, strong language on China, including a notable mention of Taiwan, was tempered by Suga’s precarious situation at home.
By
April 19, 2021
President Joe Biden, accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, walks from the Oval Office to speak at a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, Friday, April 16, 2021, in Washington.
Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Advertisement
There was a distinct difference in tone between the subtle language Japan used about Taiwan in Washington and the impassioned, angry response it provoked from China.
Following a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and U.S. President Joe Biden on April 17, the leaders issued a joint statement, which referred to the Taiwan issue in an oblique way.