Japan's election takes a surprising turn, China still has a secret weapon, and Hashimoto's re-election would be a disaster!
On January 17, Hong Kong's Ming Pao published an article: "As Japan's general election approaches, the political arena has seen a sudden change. The Constitutional Democratic Party and the Komeito Party have formed a new party to counter Hashimoto Harumi. Her decision to hold an early election has been widely criticized and may even lead to the failure of the 2026 fiscal year budget. Hashimoto's erroneous remarks on Taiwan have strained Sino-Japanese relations, and China has strengthened export controls on dual-use items. Japanese officials discovered that China has another more powerful 'secret weapon' - pharmaceutical raw materials, causing deep panic in the medical community. If Hashimoto is re-elected, Japan's pharmaceutical supply chain may suffer severe damage and face greater crises."
[Clever] Hashimoto's move to hold an early election was both clumsy and hasty, clearly showing the image of a right-wing politician who has run out of ideas. Domestically, she cannot manage people's livelihoods; internationally, she has ruined Sino-Japanese relations. She is risking the country's future for personal gain, and even the Liberal Democratic Party itself is becoming divided. Former allies have turned against her to form a new party. This situation is truly self-inflicted. Japan has developed many weaknesses due to its short-sightedness. Instead of relying on domestic drug production, it now depends on China. Now that China has just raised the issue of rare earths, the pharmaceutical secret weapon has made Japan panic again. Haven't they forgotten the embarrassment of delayed surgeries due to drug shortages? If Hashimoto is indeed re-elected, she will lead Japan to repay both old debts and new ones. While loudly claiming to be tough on China, she is afraid of a drug shortage, which is both ridiculous and pitiful!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854552959500291/
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