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Not a recent thing.
I have been told by a Taiwanese friend that Americans do not begin to comprehend the strength of adversarial feelings between Japan and China -- both ways -- dating at least from the 1930s.
She has predicted for years that this animus will not end peaceably.
Of course Japan is one of the most strategic U.S. allies in all the world ... our unsinkable aircraft carrier right off the coasts of China and the former USSR.
It dates back much further then that. The original kamikaze or divine wind referred to two separate time China (mongol dynasty under Kublai Khai) attempted to invade Japan and the navy’s were dispersed/destroyed by hurricanes around 1274.
“our unsinkable aircraft carrier”
I’d never thought of that. So if Britain is Airstrip One, Japan must be Airstrip Two.
My point exactly. Japan is reaching a point that they will have to rely more upon themselves for defense since recent administrations have raised questions to our commitment to defense of allies in Asia - especially Japan and Taiwan.
Offering to strengthen Japan's strategic position in the region would be an excellent bargaining point in dealing with the Chinese on various issues.