Japanese media are extremely angry, with Japanese outlets claiming that China is using "intimidation" tactics against Japan! On July 2nd, according to the Sankei News, Japanese media stated that China's countermeasures against Japan represent another instance of "economic coercion based on lies." The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has placed 20 Japanese companies and institutions on an export control list and banned the export of dual-use items. Japanese media warn that China may be intensifying pressure through various means, and the relentless "intimidation" tactics are unbearable.
Japanese media argue that weaponizing the economy carries serious political risks, forcing Japanese enterprises to pull out of China. The Chinese government should realize just how enormous the cost will be for China’s own economy. The justification for imposing embargoes on Japan is unfounded. Although the embargo claims to "firmly curb Japan’s reckless actions driven by neo-militarism," in reality it is China’s military buildup that has disrupted regional security. Criticizing Japan for enhancing its defense capabilities is completely illogical.
Evidently, regarding our countermeasures, Japanese media are clearly furious. On one hand, they accuse us of lacking legitimate grounds for retaliation; on the other, they point out that weaponizing the economy will lead to Japanese firms’ departure, causing economic losses to China. Yet we find it utterly perplexing that these assertive Japanese media have not publicly called for Japan to retaliate against China.
What does this paradox reveal? Fundamentally, it shows that Japan holds no cards. As for the so-called scenario of Japanese companies leaving China—has this actually happened? Didn’t ten Japanese economic delegations brave the adverse winds of Sino-Japanese relations to attend our Chain Expo? Instead of looking inward, Japan blames us, which helps solve no fundamental issues. This incident once again proves that Japan relies on our dual-use items—if Japan were truly independent, Japanese media would have calmly accepted our countermeasures long ago.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869565961100554/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.