Social media discusses difference in receptions for Xi and Takaichi — South China Morning Post

Social media users are discussing the difference between the reception of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in New York, United States, and the ceremonial welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Takaichi arrived in New York at the beginning of the week to take part in the UN General Assembly, where she delivered her first speech as head of the Japanese government, the South China Morning Post reports.

In photos from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Takaichi waves against the backdrop of an almost empty tarmac. In a video released by the Japanese prime minister's office on Tuesday, she was greeted by several Japanese officials; no high-ranking US officials were present.

Reception of the Chinese delegation

Two days later, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan were personally greeted at Joint Base Andrews by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. A 21-gun artillery salute, a 100-foot red carpet, an honor cordon of 21 service members, and a flyover by two B-1 Lancer bombers were also arranged for the Chinese leader.

The publication notes that many viewed such a reception as an unprecedented gesture, uncharacteristic even for traditional US allies. At the same time, Takaichi's trip did not have the status of a state visit, unlike the Chinese president's visit.

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Reaction in Japan

Former Japanese Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Kazuhiro Haraguchi called the contrast between the two receptions “striking.” On social media, he questioned whether this indicated a decline in Japan's political weight in the United States amid the weakening of the country's national power.

Another social media user linked the situation to Takaichi's foreign policy. This is the post author's assessment, not an established fact.

Meeting on the sidelines of the UN

A day before Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping, the US president held talks with Takaichi on the sidelines of UN events. The Japanese prime minister said they had a frank exchange of views on China and North Korea, as well as confirming the bilateral alliance. Trump, for his part, praised Takaichi, saying that she had done a “wonderful job.”

In her debut UN speech, Takaichi did not directly mention Beijing or Taiwan. Tokyo also said it would follow the Trump-Xi Jinping summit with great interest.