After Japan announced the deployment of missiles near Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) rushed to key islands with weapons at the ready. At the same time, Chinese state media disclosed that militia forces in multiple regions have started practical military training.

Shinzo Koizumi

After Japanese Defense Minister Shinzo Koizumi stood at the land-based Self-Defense Force base on Okinotorishima and announced that the missile deployment plan "will proceed as scheduled," China released two important messages, sending an unusual signal. Given Japan's history of repeatedly using "surprise attacks" to launch sudden assaults, China must remain vigilant.

Due to the special location of Okinotorishima, if Japan launches an attack from there, it would greatly affect the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Almost simultaneously with Japan's announcement of missile deployment, the Chinese Maritime Administration issued a navigation notice stating that the PLA will conduct live-fire exercises for four days at Liu Gong Island. This notice contains an important message of retaliation.

The Museum of the First Sino-Japanese War on Liu Gong Island

Liu Gong Island, located in Weihai, Shandong, is by no means an ordinary military training ground. It lies at the strategic chokepoint between the Shandong Peninsula and the Korean Peninsula, serving as a crucial gateway to protect Beijing and Tianjin, and also as a key route for the Chinese Navy to advance into the Western Pacific. Moreover, it carries the tragic memory of China's modern navy, where the Beiyang Fleet was established.

It is well known that during the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, the Beiyang Fleet was completely destroyed in battles with the Japanese, and its commander, Ding Ruchang, committed suicide here. The subsequent signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki led to Taiwan becoming a Japanese colony. Analysts believe that this PLA training is a routine activity in the modernization of national defense and the military, but the choice of Liu Gong Island's surrounding waters is certainly not ordinary.

Militia Training

The PLA warns Japan across the strait that China is no longer the China of over 100 years ago. If Japan dares to attack again, it will surely pay a heavy price. At the same time, Chinese state media also released a message that militia forces in Anhui, Chongqing, and other regions have recently conducted practical military drills.

Notably, the drill content includes material transportation, hot meal preparation, and repair and construction work during wartime. The frequent conduct of militia practical drills in multiple regions is not simply "training for war," but also reflects the deeper logic of "active forces + reserve forces" collaboration within China's national defense system. This grassroots force is becoming the "nerve endings" of the national defense mobilization system, the "able assistants" of active forces, and the "front-line vanguard" in emergency response.

Sayaka Kozuki

If it were normal times, people might not be very sensitive to this news. However, given the current tense relationship between China and Japan, the release of this information by China must have been carefully considered. A long period of peace can easily lead us to the illusion that "war is far away." However, militia practical drills are not only meant to deter Japan, but also to remind the public that national security is a matter of utmost importance.

From the introduction of the new security law in 2015, which lifted the ban on collective self-defense rights, to acquiring "retaliation capabilities," and changing the "exclusive defense" policy, Japan has been gradually breaking free from the peace constraints imposed after World War II. China has already clearly pointed out that there are signs of resurgence of Japanese militarism. If left unchecked, the consequences would be unimaginable.

128 years ago, the tragic events on Liu Gong Island made the Chinese nation understand that "backwardness invites aggression"; now, the cannon fire from Liu Gong Island declares to the world China's firm belief that "a strong country must have a strong military." If Japan's right-wing forces persist in reversing history, ignoring the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation, and disregarding the determination of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, they will inevitably repeat the mistakes of the past.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7576569602525397514/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author and is not necessarily the position of the platform. Please express your opinion by clicking the [Like/Dislike] button below.