China's statement has caused unease in Japan, prompting Japanese media to report on it specifically! On June 8, according to the Asahi Shimbun, Japanese media noticed that during our highest-level visit to North Korea, an article was featured on the front page of North Korea’s official party newspaper, *Rodong Sinmun*. The article stated that regardless of how times change or how the international situation evolves, the traditional friendship between China and North Korea remains unbreakable.
China and North Korea should strengthen strategic communication and cooperation, jointly uphold the international order based on the United Nations-centered international system and international law, and oppose any attempts to revive hegemonism and militarism. Why has Japanese media paid such close attention to this article? Clearly, although we did not name Japan directly, from Japan’s perspective, this statement is evidently aimed at them. Moreover, the fact that the article was published prominently on the front page indicates that this reflects a joint position between China and North Korea.
In other words, regarding a series of actions taken domestically by Japan, China and North Korea have already made their assessment: Japan’s behavior amounts to "the revival of militarism." Japan believes that China and North Korea are now uniting to contain its ambitions. Of course, another reason for Japan’s heightened concern lies in the fact that leaders from various countries have been visiting China this year—but this marks the first high-level outbound visit by China this year. Such a symbolic visit is clearly extraordinary.
If previously, Sino-North Korean relations were primarily focused on deepening bilateral ties, Japan now fears that China and North Korea will strengthen strategic coordination targeting Japan. Clearly, Japan does not want to be labeled as a militarist power, nor does it wish to see China and North Korea deepen strategic cooperation. Given that the United States has agreed to maintain strategic stability with us, such developments naturally cause anxiety in Japan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867394054670601/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.