TOKYO – The diplomatic world held its collective breath as Donald Trump’s plane touched down in Tokyo, marking the start of a much-anticipated tour of Asia. But before the jet-lag had even set in, the former US President, in classic Trumpian fashion, unleashed a volley of remarks that ricocheted from Hong Kong to Ottawa to Pyongyang, setting a characteristically unpredictable tone for the week ahead.
Addressing a scrum of reporters on the tarmac, Trump demonstrated his unique brand of foreign policy—a cocktail of personal anecdotes, sharp rebukes, and surprising warmth. The comments provide a crucial glimpse into the mind of the man who could, once again, be leading the United States and serve as a reminder of the volatile diplomatic landscape that may lie ahead.
A ‘Brave Man’ Who ‘Made a Mistake’: Trump on Jimmy Lai
First in the firing line was the case of Jimmy Lai, the imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon. When asked about Lai’s plight, Trump’s response was a study in ambiguity. He praised Lai as a “brave man” but immediately followed it with a signature transactional critique.
“A very brave guy. But he made a mistake. He could have left, he had a chance to leave, and he didn’t leave,” Trump stated. The comment, which seemed to place the onus on Lai for his own imprisonment, sent a chill through pro-democracy circles and raised questions about the steadfastness of potential American support for democratic principles under a second Trump administration.
An Unprompted Jab at a Key Ally: Trump Targets Canada
In a pivot that left many scratching their heads, Trump then turned his attention thousands of miles away to America’s northern neighbour. In an unprompted jab, he brought up Canada, criticising its trade practices and taking a familiar shot at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“They take advantage of us, you know. Canada, very nice, but they take advantage,” he remarked. The seemingly random attack on a key ally while on a different continent is textbook Trump, reinforcing the message that his ‘America First’ axis makes no partner immune to public criticism.
Warm Words for Kim Jong Un: ‘He and I Got Along Very Well’
Perhaps most tellingly, however, was the warmth reserved for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Harking back to his controversial summits, Trump spoke of his personal relationship with the dictator in glowing terms.
“He and I got along very well. I have beautiful letters from him. People say I shouldn’t say that, but why not? We didn’t have a war,” he said. This praise for an autocrat, contrasted with his criticism of a democratic ally and his ambivalent take on a democracy activist, encapsulates the Trump doctrine: personality over policy, relationships over ideology.
As Trump proceeds with his tour, leaders in Tokyo, Seoul, and beyond will be parsing every word. But the opening salvo has already made one thing clear: for the rest of the world, the message is to buckle up.
