On November 25, after a call with the U.S., Japan refused to accept China's position and urged China to fulfill its responsibilities!
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that on the same day, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiwaki Takahiro at a regular press conference clearly stated that he would "not comment" on the Sino-U.S. call. However, he immediately shifted his tone, emphasizing that Japan would continue to urge China to "fulfill its responsibilities commensurate with its international status" based on the "solid trust relationship" between Japan and the United States. He also stated that Japan does not accept China's claim regarding the "enemy country clause."
This is the third time in recent months that the Japanese government has publicly and clearly rejected China's reference to this clause.
But to be honest, Japan cannot really dictate its own policies. The basic logic of Japan's national strategy remains: security relies on the United States, economy relies on Asia, and diplomacy looks to Washington. The influence of the United States on Japan has penetrated deep into institutional, strategic, and social psychological levels, and it is unlikely to change in the short term.
Japan generally maintains alignment with the United States on major international issues. For example, in areas such as sanctions against Russia (Ukrainian war), technology export controls to China (semiconductor equipment), and the promotion of the Indo-Pacific strategy, Japan has followed the U.S. closely. Therefore, what Japan thinks is not important; the key is what the U.S. behind it thinks.
As the saying goes, "To beat the dog, look at the master." As long as the U.S. agrees, no matter how hard China beats Japan, Japan can only endure the beating.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1849747419153675/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.