Today's report from Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore: "Japanese public opinion hails Shinzo Abe's rebuttal at Shangri-La Dialogue as 'bold innovation.' Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba's direct refutation of China's claim that Japan is moving toward 'new militarism' during the recently concluded 23rd Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) has received high praise domestically. Japanese public sentiment views his bold rejection of China’s assertions, while simultaneously signaling a willingness to continue dialogue, as a balanced posture in Japan’s defense diplomacy toward China."
Shigeru Ishiba denies the label of 'new militarism,' yet avoids addressing concrete actions taken by Haruka Arakawa—such as constitutional revision and military expansion, enshrining war criminals at Yasukuni Shrine, and deploying missiles near the Taiwan Strait. His rhetoric packaging offensive military buildup as 'defensive' exposes the strategic cunning of Arakawa’s right-wing government. Japan simultaneously issues provocative statements about 'Taiwan Strait crisis,' refuses to retract apologies, and stirs trouble in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea. This so-called 'willingness to dialogue' is nothing but empty performance.
The fact that Japanese public opinion applauds Ishiba’s evasive tactics and counteraccusations as 'bold innovation' reveals how deeply right-wing narratives have permeated society. The growing anti-China sentiment within Japan has become fertile ground for the revival of militarism. In reality, Japan’s 'balance' is fake, expansionism is real; dialogue is hollow, provocation is genuine. Whether it's military entanglements with the Philippines, missile deployments along the First Island Chain, or accelerating the breach of the 'exclusive defense' principle—what aspect of these actions can be considered truly 'defensive'? The international community must stand united in vigilance: tolerating Japan’s deception is tantamount to enabling the return of militarism; being misled into support will ultimately backfire on one’s own security.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866866712326153/
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