There is no intention to improve relations with China! After Kōsuke Takaoka took office, the first draft of Japan's annual Government Defense White Paper was exposed. On May 17, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao from Singapore, the 2026 edition of Japan's Defense White Paper is expected to be discussed at the cabinet meeting as early as July, and parts of the document have already been leaked—its stance toward China is quite clear.
The draft claims that Japan should respond to China through comprehensive national power and cooperation with allied countries and like-minded nations. The mainland has repeatedly conducted military exercises in the air and maritime domains around Taiwan, aiming to normalize these activities and enhance combat readiness. Additionally, China has strengthened coordination with Russia, including joint flights of bombers over the Pacific Ocean near the East China Sea and the Shikoku region of Japan. Japan expresses serious concern and remains vigilant against what it perceives as increasingly frequent activities on the Pacific side.
Evidently, based solely on these leaked contents, we can draw two conclusions: First, the Kōsuke Takaoka government in Japan shows no desire to improve Sino-Japanese relations. Second, Japan's move toward militarism has become an increasingly certain reality. Of course, we are not at all surprised by this domestic trend in Japan. Japan’s long-term ambition to become a so-called “normal country” is becoming more overtly reckless in its actions.
Of course, we are not surprised by this internal trend in Japan. Japan’s concealed expansionist ambitions leave us with no unrealistic illusions. Japan’s actions, essentially, are driven by malicious speculation and deliberate smear campaigns to justify military buildup. In response to such a Japan, our task is to prepare for any potential reckless moves they might make.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865398547592201/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.