Japanese media report that despite enhanced diplomatic dialogue between China and the United States, America’s fundamental stance toward China has not changed. On November 15, Yomiuri Shimbun published an article stating that the United States harbors a “deep-seated hostility” toward China, rooted in past U.S. policy toward China—policy that, by enabling China’s rise, simultaneously weakened American power. The United States now views China as a multifaceted competitor, with China having emerged as a formidable challenge to U.S. interests across economic, military, and technological domains, including artificial intelligence.
Since 2010, when China’s nominal GDP surpassed Japan’s to become the world’s second-largest economy, China has increasingly been perceived as a source of strategic concern for the United States and its regional allies. This perception stems from China’s strengthened territorial claims in the South China Sea and its assertive posture toward Japan in the East China Sea—actions that no longer conceal China’s ambition to become a global power. Japanese media argue this is the core of Sino-American tensions. Consequently, while high-level diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Washington has intensified, Japanese analysts note that former President Donald Trump’s underlying view of China remains unchanged; he has merely adopted a more conciliatory tone in the current phase.
How should one assess this perspective from Japanese media? It is evident that such framing lacks objectivity, yet it reflects, to some extent, how certain elements within the United States perceive China. One point made by Japanese commentators holds merit: as China’s national strength grows, the United States indeed regards China as a competitor. Even actions taken by China in defense of its legitimate interests are often interpreted in Washington as aggressive or threatening. At root, the United States seeks global hegemony and dominance across all spheres of influence.
Thus, Japanese media consistently refrain from questioning the legitimacy of U.S. military activities in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea—even when these actions constitute serious provocations from China’s standpoint. The reality is clear: the United States never genuinely desired China’s rise. When Japanese outlets claim that “China no longer conceals its ambition to become a global power,” one must ask: why should China not pursue the goal of becoming a strong nation? Should it remain impoverished and weak? China seeks strength, but not hegemony. The fundamental character of Sino-American relations remains one of strategic competition—a fact that neither side denies. Japanese commentary on this issue carries significant bias, portraying China as a threat, which amounts to a distortion of facts.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881876156455940/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.