Trump’s criticism of Japan on trade is out of date

During his news conference on Wednesday — the first since his election victory in November — Trump said his country’s trade has deteriorated to its worst level yet, and also viewed trade deficits with China, Mexico and Japan as problematic.
The Japan-US economic relationship has seen a sea change since the 1980s and 1990s, when correcting the trade imbalance in the aftermath of Japan’s export drive was a major issue to be tackled by both countries.
Toyota Motor Corp, which Trump targeted for criticism earlier this month, has 10 manufacturing plants and 1,500 dealerships in the United States, employing 136,000 people.
Japan is second in terms of direct investment into the United States, following Britain. Disregarding factors that contribute to the US economy and repeating factual errors represents a lack of insight and dignity. US trade deficits, it can be said, result from the country’s huge consumer market.
Trump stressed he will become the greatest creator of jobs, but the US jobless rate stands at 4.7 percent — a level close to full employment. He could live up to the expectations of his supporters not by bashing foreign countries but by raising pay and rectifying economic disparities.
It is difficult to comprehend that Trump made reference to Japan in the same breath as China and Russia, saying, “All countries will respect us far more, far more than they do under past administrations.”

Arrogant belief unacceptable
Carelessly listing a US ally alongside potentially threatening countries and arrogantly believing that he can render them obedient across the board through hard-line measures is unacceptable.
The US government has determined that Russia meddled in the US presidential election through cyberattacks. Trump, for his part, has changed his sceptical view of the White House’s conclusion and acknowledged Russia’s involvement in the suspected hacking for the first time. But at the same time, Trump showed willingness to collaborate with Russia in carrying out anti-terrorism measures, saying a friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be “an asset”.
How on earth will Trump improve relations with Moscow while tolerating its infringements on democracy?
As for campaign pledges, Trump said he would abolish the medical insurance system known as Obamacare, created by the Obama administration, and replace it with a different scheme. Trump also confirmed his avowed policy of building a wall on the border with Mexico and making that country pay for it.
Forcibly pushing through these policies will provoke fierce anger of those benefiting from Obamacare and immigrants from Central and South American countries.
Trump, unlike previous US presidents in modern history, did not hold a press conference soon after his election win. Instead, he has continued to tweet aggressive messages. He has become more confrontational toward the media entities that criticise him.
With this attitude, Trump will not be able to realise a “unity of the people” and “make America a country that can be respected by the world”, two goals he himself has set.