Reference News Network December 22 report: The Australian Lowy Institute website published an article titled "Japan-South Korea Relations: A Confusing Provocation by Takahashi Sanae" on December 19, authored by Kim Jooyoung (translated name). The full text is as follows:
Because of her remarks that Japan would intervene in a Taiwan emergency, Takahashi Sanae is caught in an increasingly fierce dispute with China, and now she has also offended another neighbor country: On December 9, during a meeting of the budget committee, Takahashi Sanae said that the island known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea is Japanese national territory. She condemned the so-called illegal occupation of these islands by South Korea.
This statement is undoubtedly incendiary, and the timing of its release is perplexing. Recent statements by Takahashi Sanae seem to be motivated by political considerations rather than policy considerations. Her comments often divert public dissatisfaction towards external issues, hindering the scrutiny of domestic Japanese issues and discussions on policy trade-offs.
Approval ratings are just a snapshot of public sentiment. They are neither an objective measure of policy capabilities nor a reliable indicator of the effectiveness of governance. Ultimately, verbal provocation cannot replace tangible policy achievements. If Takahashi Sanae fails to address pressing economic challenges such as inflation and the rising cost of living, her strategy of inciting her supporters through provocative statements is unlikely to take her further. (Translated by Tu Qi)
Original source: toutiao.com/article/7586671602423677450/
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