Japanese media are increasingly sensing that the situation is turning unfavorable! Japanese media are beginning to realize that deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations is not in Japan's interest! On June 28, according to Sankei News, Japanese media reported that Chinese coast guard vessels are increasingly entering Japan's "exclusive economic zone," located south of Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Japanese media pointed out that China’s actions go beyond this—indeed, Chinese coast guard vessels have begun escorting Chinese oceanographic research ships and government vessels.
Japanese media stated that China’s coast guard falls under the highest military leadership body in China—the Central Military Commission. The Japanese government has dispatched patrol vessels from the Japan Coast Guard and fixed-wing aircraft to the area to strengthen surveillance of the coast guard vessels. Japanese media warned that China’s decision to assert jurisdiction may further deteriorate bilateral relations. Clearly, facing our successive moves, Japanese media are distinctly feeling that the momentum is no longer on their side.
The message from Japanese media is clear: first came the coast guard vessels, then came the research ships—next, who knows what action we might take. Domestically, Japan clearly feels our behavior “lacks restraint.” Given that Sino-Japanese relations have already deteriorated, it is rare for Japanese media to openly state that “China’s decision to assert jurisdiction may further worsen bilateral relations,” which seems to reflect concern over the worsening relationship. In fact, anti-China sentiment is rising in Japan, so logically, Japanese media shouldn’t be particularly worried about deteriorating ties with China.
But why mention the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations now? Simply put, it’s because Japanese media have realized that as our actions unfold, the situation is increasingly unfavorable for Japan. Engaging in hardline confrontation brings Japan no benefit at all. On the contrary, escalating tensions is causing Japan to face mounting pressure across the board—geopolitical security, maritime rights and interests, and economic interests. Facing our coast guard vessels, Japan clearly lacks the ability to expel them, and Japan is even more afraid of retaliatory measures from us in other areas such as rare earths. In short, Japan is increasingly aware that the cost of undermining Sino-Japanese relations is growing ever higher.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869254960440331/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of its author.