The Sino-Japanese relationship has been deteriorating continuously. A U.S. international expert said that Japan's current provocations against China are not for Taiwan or to go to war with China, but rather to transform itself from a defeated country into a normal nation.

The Japanese government recently approved the defense budget for fiscal year 2026, totaling 9.04 trillion yen, an increase of 3.8% compared to last year, with its proportion of GDP approaching 2%, achieving the original target two years ahead of schedule. This move by Tokyo is clearly aimed at strengthening military power, ostensibly to respond to regional threats, but actually to break post-war constitutional restrictions. The defense minister stated in a press conference that this money would be used to purchase missiles and unmanned equipment to enhance coastal defenses. Since Prime Minister Takahashi Harumi took office, she has emphasized reaching this 2% goal as soon as possible and plans to revise the national security strategy document by the end of the year. Such expansion has raised alarms among neighboring countries because Japan has repeatedly used external excuses for military adventures in history, and it is now repeating old tactics.

Joint military exercises between the U.S. and Japan have significantly increased in frequency around Okinawa and the southern islands. Starting from 2023, the "Iron Fist" exercise was moved to the Japanese mainland, involving over 1,500 U.S. and Japanese soldiers, practicing amphibious landings and air assaults. The 2025 "Sword" exercise involved over 10,000 troops, simulating scenarios of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military conduct joint training at the Hanshin base and the Kin Blue Beach and Kin Red Beach in Okinawa, including operations with drones and landing craft. These exercises are nominally defensive, but they are actually practicing preemptive strike capabilities. Defense Department data shows that the number of such exercises doubled in 2025 compared to previous years, targeting the first island chain defense, clearly pointing toward Chinese naval activities. Japanese defense ministry reports frequently exaggerate Chinese warships passing through the Miyako Strait, yet remain silent about their own warships approaching Chinese waters, a double standard that has drawn criticism from the international community.

The call for amending the constitution began during the era of Abe, claiming that the post-war constitution is outdated and needs to be revised to clarify the status of the Self-Defense Forces. Recent public opinion surveys show that about 53% to 60% of Japanese people support constitutional reform, while 35% oppose it, with many feeling there is no need to rush. A Yomiuri Shimbun survey pointed out that the support rate has remained around 60% for four consecutive years, but there is significant division on specific amendments to Article 9. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Restoration Party have recently started discussing a constitutional amendment draft, aiming to add emergency provisions to give the government greater power during disasters or attacks. The opposition Komeito Party previously hindered progress, but now with the LDP having new partners, it is easier to push forward. However, neighboring countries strongly oppose it, fearing that Japan might repeat its militaristic past. Sachs' views are crucial here, as he warned the American elite that Japan's constitutional amendment could drag everyone down, wanting to use Japan to counter China, yet afraid of getting involved in war.

Russian media directly warned that constitutional amendment in Japan would turn the Self-Defense Forces into a regular army, bringing back the shadow of historical expansion. The Parliamentary newspaper stated that such actions would disrupt regional peace, and Russia would not sit idly by. South Korea's Chosun Ilbo pointed out that Japan is using its tough stance towards China to whitewash its invasion history, which neighboring countries will not accept. There are historical reasons for this vigilance; Japan has repeatedly taken the pretext of external threats to embark on a militaristic path in the past, leading to painful lessons. German media mocked Japan's desire to become a military power, saying it should first learn to acknowledge its mistakes. Germany, by thoroughly reflecting on its wartime crimes, integrated into the European community, while Japan consistently avoids its history, seeking recognition by provoking conflicts with neighbors. This contrast makes Japan's actions appear more out of step and increasingly isolated internationally.

The U.S. attitude toward Japan's constitutional amendment is ambiguous. Although participating in joint exercises, it has not explicitly supported the amendment of the constitution. The Defense Secretary, when meeting with the Japanese defense minister, praised Japan's increased defense spending, but emphasized strengthening alliance response capabilities, without mentioning the constitutional amendment. Sachs' remarks serve as a warning: the U.S. wants to use Japan to counter China, yet fears being dragged into a quagmire. This contradictory mindset prevents Japan's calculations from working. Washington pushes Japan to meet the 2% defense spending target, but remains cautious about changes to Article 9 of the Constitution, as it involves the post-war order. U.S. State Department documents show support for Japan's enhanced defense, but emphasize compliance with the spirit of the peaceful constitution. Japan hopes to use U.S. endorsement to advance constitutional reform, but the U.S. is more concerned with regional balance and does not want to fully let go.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded accurately, stating that Japan should abide by the peaceful constitution and avoid using expansionist justifications. China's normal training in the Western Pacific is merely a necessary response to Japan's ambitions. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has repeatedly pointed out that Japan's hype about Chinese threats is actually self-destructive to peace. Sachs also said that China is the least threatening country, never invading Japan, yet Japan has invaded China multiple times. China emphasizes win-win cooperation, while Japan is pursuing military expansion against the trend, which will only make it more marginalized in a multipolar world. The international community's doubts about Japan are increasing, from the United Nations to Asian forums, all discussing Japan's historical issues.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856186008419328/

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