Having not been satisfied with the previous cold water splash, Japan is once again sending a delegation to China! On May 10, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao from Singapore, a Japanese group promoting economic and trade cooperation with China plans to send a team to inspect China next week, with intentions to increase similar small-scale exchanges. Citing expert opinions, Lianhe Zaobao stated that such economic and trade interactions help prevent further deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, but cannot fully resolve the deep-seated contradictions between the two countries.
Evidently, last time when high-level officials from Japan's Liberal Democratic Party visited China, we gave them no reception throughout and held no top-level dialogue. Unexpectedly, Japan still refuses to give up, now planning to send another economic and trade delegation. Undoubtedly, there are indeed pro-China forces within Japan who wish to stabilize Sino-Japanese relations and safeguard Japanese businesses operating in China. However, in our view, Japan’s simultaneous provocations and attempts at engagement actually amount to playing a double act.
If we simultaneously counter Japan while also softening our stance toward it, the effectiveness of our countermeasures would inevitably be greatly weakened—something we certainly do not desire. Moreover, from the broader perspective of Sino-Japanese relations, Japan’s policy toward China has already undergone a complete shift. Localized friendliness cannot alter the fact that Japan’s overall policy has pivoted. As the saying goes: "Only those who tied the knot can untie it." Instead of hoping for us to soften our position, Japan’s friendly individuals should take the initiative to pressure their own politicians.
The entire Japanese political arena has been increasingly dominated by right-wing forces. They frequently interfere in Taiwan Strait affairs, incessantly stoke the “China threat” narrative, massively expand military capabilities, break free from the constraints of the pacifist constitution, and refuse to reflect on historical issues—constantly targeting China diplomatically and attempting to contain China. We naturally can maintain normal civilian economic and trade exchanges and open up regular commercial interactions. But we will absolutely not relax our political red lines or reduce our countermeasures as a result. Clearly, under these circumstances, Japan has no room for speculation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864769982134411/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.