Japanese singer Maki Otsuki's performance at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 in Shanghai was abruptly halted due to escalating diplomatic tensions between Japan and China. Concurrently, concerns are growing regarding the Trump family's global business dealings and their potential implications on international relations.

Cultural Events Affected by Diplomatic Spats
Otsuki, known for her work on the "One Piece" anime theme song, was scheduled to perform for two days starting Friday. However, her management announced that she had to stop her performance due to "unavoidable circumstances." This incident is part of a broader trend of canceled cultural events between the two nations, sparked by recent remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. His comments suggested Japan might militarily intervene in a potential conflict involving Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. In response, China summoned Japan's ambassador and advised its citizens against traveling to Japan. The Bandai Namco Festival was ultimately canceled, affecting other scheduled performances, including those by the popular idol group Momoiro Clover Z.

Trump Family's Global Business Ventures
Amid international tensions, the Trump family continues to expand its business interests worldwide. Donald Trump's sons, Don Jr. and Eric, are leading a significant expansion of the family business, which includes new golf courses and skyscrapers. Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential for conflicts of interest, particularly as the family navigates deals in various countries, including those with authoritarian regimes. Kristofer Harrison, an anti-corruption advocate, has accused the Trumps of creating a "pay to play" environment that could be exploited by foreign powers. Despite the family's insistence on maintaining a separation between their business operations and Trump's presidential duties, the intertwining of politics and business raises ethical questions.

International Implications of Business and Diplomacy
The Trump family's ventures, particularly in the Gulf region, have accelerated since Donald Trump's re-election. The family has pursued lucrative projects, including a golf course in Oman and luxury apartments in Dubai. Critics argue that such business dealings could compromise U.S. foreign policy and bolster authoritarian regimes. Although no direct evidence of corruption has been established, the perception of impropriety could invite similar behavior from other global leaders, potentially damaging international relations.

Wrap-up
The recent events in Shanghai and the ongoing business pursuits of the Trump family highlight the complex interplay between culture, diplomacy, and business on the global stage. As tensions rise between Japan and China, cultural exchanges suffer, while the Trump family's activities raise ethical concerns that could have far-reaching implications for international relations.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team