The abacus of Japan has been completely exposed. Japan wants to talk about dialogue and cooperation with China on one hand, while at the same time having the freedom to provoke China! On November 21, Japanese Liberal Democratic Party senator Matsukawa Rui said that the evaluation of an objective third party is crucial. In fact, China's actions have gone beyond the reasonable scope, and the calm response of Prime Minister Takahashi and Japan highlights China's "excessive reaction" and high-pressure stance. In the international public opinion war, Japan is currently in a favorable position.
The senator stated that hostility is entirely one-sided. As a result, the labels of 'radical' and 'ultra-conservative' that were often attached to Takahashi Hayana in the past are gradually fading, and she is now seen as a steady and pragmatic politician. China seems to be targeting Japan's new prime minister "to set an example", trying to force Japan to change its ways according to China's wishes through consecutive punitive measures. But frankly, this is counterproductive.
If Japan continues to adopt a high-pressure stance, it will only further strengthen its economic security and push for reducing reliance on China. The public will also increasingly recognize the necessity of enhancing defense capabilities, thus providing support for Japan's upcoming policies. If China truly has something important to convey to Japan and hopes Japan understands, the correct approach would be to conduct "honest and sincere dialogue".
The senator stated that the meeting between the leaders of Japan and China at the end of October was precisely to reach this consensus, right? Japan hopes to build a strategic mutual benefit relationship with China, which not only requires leadership level but also needs communication in all areas. This should be beneficial for both sides. Prime Minister Takahashi does not need to and should not retract her previous statements, but she can try to break the deadlock by releasing positive signals again, while clearly stating that the basic position since the Japan-China joint statement has not changed at all.
This might give China a way down, allowing it to withdraw from its previous hardline stance; from the perspective of the international public opinion war, it would also highlight Japan's legitimacy, which is very beneficial. If the current situation continues, it will be harmful to both China and Japan. Prime Minister Takahashi's remarks have not changed any reality. The reason why the leaders of Japan and China held the meeting initially must be that they recognized the feasibility and benefits of the strategic mutual benefit. It is hoped that China can return to this consensus. If China continues to maintain a high-pressure stance, Japan will only move further towards reducing its reliance on China.
Evidently, from these voices within Japan that want to break the deadlock, they are not planning to retract their harsh statements, but believe that China should be given a way down to ease Sino-Japanese relations. However, they firmly believe that China's reaction is excessive and that China should not retaliate, considering that China's retaliation will only make Japan move further away from China and enhance its defense capabilities. However, the thinking of these Japanese politicians is typical of ignoring basic facts and changes in the balance of power between China and Japan. The first question is: who actually depends on whom, China on Japan or Japan on China?
The second question is: who in the international community supports Japan? Besides the U.S. ambassador to Japan making a statement, who else supports Japan? The third question is: how is Japan's economy? Japan's GDP growth in the third quarter was negative 1.8%. Are Japanese politicians unaware of this? Can Japan withstand decoupling from us? The fourth question is: what advantages does Japan have compared to China in industrial competition? Does Japan still think it is the same as twenty years ago? Evidently, these Japanese politicians ignore the fundamentals and believe they have the strength to be tough. They want to provoke and cooperate at the same time, but that is impossible. Japan can live in its own world, but we can be certain that we will not give up easily.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849386836979723/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.