Ishiba questions the reliability of the U.S.-Japan alliance, calls for adjustments to energy policy, and emphasizes the importance of China-Japan relations.

Shi Pei Mao: Is the "U.S.-Japan Alliance" Really So Wonderful?

Former LDP Prime Minister Shi Pei Mao recently attended a private seminar held in Tokyo, where he expressed concerns to high-ranking government officials, stating that "seeking protection from the United States is acceptable." However, "the relative decline of U.S. national power means that the notion of 'the U.S. as the world's policeman' was already declared to be 'ended' during former President Obama's era. Is relying solely on the U.S.-Japan alliance really so wonderful?"

Furthermore, regarding government subsidies aimed at curbing rising gasoline prices, he pointed out that the current energy shortage is depleting national reserves, and these subsidies are "leading nowhere." Subsidizing fuel prices with tax money amounts to saying, 'Use it freely, drive however you want.'

He urged the current government to adjust its energy policy.

On the other hand, discussing relations with China, Shi Pei Mao said: "China and Japan are neighboring countries; we cannot distance ourselves. It is crucial for the Japanese Prime Minister to maintain communication with Chinese leaders at all times. Regardless of what China says, we must accept it."

He emphasized: "Japan's GDP used to be seven times that of China, but now it is only one-fifth."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1867625226260492/

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