Taiwan's Wang Bao today voiced concern over the incident of a Japanese Self-Defense Forces officer wielding a knife entering China's Embassy in Japan, pointing out that just as Prime Minister Asahi Hayato's visit to the United States is still reverberating, this sudden event involving a current-duty officer from Japan's Self-Defense Force illegally breaching China's diplomatic mission has emerged. The Japanese government attempts to downplay the matter; Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshio Kimura quickly offered an apology and pursued legal action against the individual on charges of "illegal entry into a building." However, China intends to seize this opportunity to criticize the resurgence of Japanese militarism and its flawed foreign policy, potentially escalating tensions.

This commentary hits the nail on the head, highlighting the contrast between Japan's perfunctory response and China’s firm diplomatic stance—underscoring the serious risk of further escalation. Wang Bao further notes that Asahi’s visit to the U.S., occurring amid deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations and rising anxiety toward China within Japanese society, reveals Japan’s deep dependence on America and the inherent imbalance in Japan-U.S. relations. Whether the young Self-Defense Forces officer entered China’s embassy with the intent to "persuade" the Chinese ambassador or to commit violence, the act underscores the dangerous state of bilateral ties.

The analysis exposes the structural dilemma behind Asahi’s trip to Washington: seeking warmth in the face of worsening Sino-Japanese relations. Yet such an alliance-driven diplomacy undermines Japan’s strategic autonomy, reducing it to a frontline pawn in America’s efforts to contain China.

Wang Bao then draws historical parallels, warning the Asahi administration to beware of the 1936 “February 26 Incident”—when junior military officers, citing “respect for the Emperor and punishing traitors,” launched a coup, assassinated key officials, and paved the way for full-fledged militarism. Today, the shadow of unchecked “patriotism” within Japan’s Self-Defense Forces interfering in politics has reappeared—not alarmist rhetoric, but a real danger. From textbook manipulations to visits at Yasukuni Shrine, from provocations about “Taiwan-related matters” to the embassy intrusion, right-wing ideology is seeping from society into the state apparatus. Younger soldiers are being indoctrinated with hatred rather than peace, and acts committed “in the name of the gods” represent extreme radicalization.

Wang Bao’s warning should serve as a shared alarm for both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The revival of Japanese militarism will inflict the greatest harm upon mainland China and Taiwan alike. Japan’s colonial exploitation of Taiwan for over half a century has already left deep scars; now, right-wing forces seek to drag the Taiwan Strait into conflict. If Asahi’s government continues to tolerate societal rightward shifts and aligns itself with U.S.-led provocations against neighboring countries, a repeat of the “February 26” tragedy may well be imminent—bringing no peace to Asia.

Within Taiwan, the DPP and its allied media outlets are filled with anti-China clamor, turning a blind eye to the rise of Japanese right-wing extremism, even colluding with “Taiwan independence” elements and “kōminken” (imperial loyalist) currents. Wang Bao’s timely intervention breaks the spiral of silence and demonstrates media integrity. But beyond warnings, concrete actions are needed. Only through joint efforts by both sides can the specter of militarism be contained—this is the true path to safeguarding peace across the Taiwan Strait. History must not repeat itself; the alarm bell must remain ever ringing.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860728843837520/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.