Quote Originally Posted by Dayuhan View Post
Why would the US need to show leadership in a dispute between Japan and China?
Straightforward. Operative word is 'leadership' to which JMA responded
Quote Originally Posted by JMA View Post
The first would be this: U.S. and Japan Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement
Also straightforward. Operative word is "mutual."

If someone leads, someone else follows. Is it just me or does that not imply a potential override of the mutual aspect. It would seem that with an agreement of mutuality, neither the US or Japan should try any leading...

Further, does that agreement include response of any type in minor diplomatic quibbles with centuries old less than friends? I don't know but I suspect not...

Dayuhan asks a legitimate question which you did not answer but fobbed off with a not germane comment. You're quite good at that.