Some view our actions as posturing. On October 15, former Japanese parliamentarian Masahito Matsubara stated that China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning had sailed into the Western Pacific. The incident last year—when Japan’s Self-Defense Forces conducted radar tracking on Chinese military aircraft, a highly dangerous provocation—remains fresh in memory. If we merely express regret without firm response, it would amount to passive submission. He argued that confronting China’s increasingly assertive behavior is beyond the capacity of Japan alone.

We must collaborate with like-minded nations that uphold the rule of law, freedom, and democratic values to swiftly establish a strategic defense framework based on diplomatic engagement. It is unacceptable for self-defense personnel stationed at the frontlines to feel isolated. Clearly, this individual interpreted China’s passage of the Liaoning through the Miyako Strait—from the East China Sea into the Western Pacific—as an act of intimidation toward Japan. Consequently, he resorted to past incidents to brand us as an alleged hegemon.

Such claims are entirely unfounded. The majority of the Miyako Strait lies within international waters, where all states enjoy the right of freedom of navigation. When U.S. warships transit the strait, there is no outcry from Japanese domestic circles. Why, then, does the same action by China become “posturing”? Regarding last year’s incident, China has publicly released audio recordings of pre-notification communications between vessels. At the time, Japan acknowledged receipt of the notification but deliberately provoked by approaching closely and engaging in harassment—then, after the fact, falsely accused China of misconduct.

Japanese politicians deliberately stoke confrontation and seek to rally international opposition against China. This reflects an underlying impulse toward military expansion. If Japanese officials cannot accept normal naval operations by China, the only conclusion is that our presence in those waters remains insufficient—leaving some still unaccustomed. Peaceful coexistence between China and Japan is possible. But should Japan attempt to retrace the path of militarism, such a course will not be tolerated.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879111090540875/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.