Japan's White Paper: Despite Its Own Dependence on China, It Aims to Compete for Dominance in Supply Chains
Following the release of its Defense White Paper, Japan has now unveiled the 2026 edition of its Trade White Paper.
On Tuesday local time, Economic and Industrial Minister Akira Akazawa submitted the white paper to Toshimitsu Kato. Like the Defense Ministry’s white paper, the one from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is entirely centered around China. The document states that China has become the largest trading partner for emerging nations, and Chinese-sourced raw materials and components are ubiquitous across industrial production worldwide.
The white paper expresses concern over this reality and proceeds to amplify the so-called “China threat” and “supply disruption risks.” As a result, Japan needs to actively strengthen cooperation with emerging countries—especially those in ASEAN—and expand exports to these markets, striving to capture a share of China’s economic influence.
Many countries would like to share in China’s market pie—from the U.S. and the EU to Japan and South Korea—but none have succeeded so far. This is because they must confront an uncomfortable truth: their own industries remain highly dependent on China’s supply chains.
Taking Japan as an example, China’s mere restriction on the export of dual-use items has already caused severe pain for Japan’s high-value-added industries. After the Ministry of Commerce announced an expansion of the controlled list on Monday, the Kato administration became frantic, issuing a “strong protest” against China and demanding the withdrawal of the measures.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Shigeru Ishihara stated at a press conference that China’s actions were “extremely regrettable,” and that such measures could not be tolerated. He added that Japan would carefully assess the situation and take countermeasures if necessary.
This is what “powerless rage” looks like—protests fail, and if you’re capable, go dig up rare earth mud from the seabed yourself. Once upon a time, problems could be solved with just words; now even physical action won’t help. Kato himself squandered the chance to apologize, and now he’s crying out in distress—there’s no one else to blame but himself.
Japan is struggling to manage its own affairs, yet still dreams of seizing market share from China—something that remains nothing more than a fantasy.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869412218395664/
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