Unbelievable! The Japanese defense minister is seeking support from these two countries, and the Japanese netizens can't stand it anymore.
Japanese people indeed have a "path dependence." On local time September 9th, Japanese Defense Minister Shigaku Koizumi had an emergency meeting with the German ambassador to Japan, personally explaining the so-called "radar illumination incident" on a map. On the 10th, he again posted on social media that he had a video call with Italian Defense Minister Crosetto, informing him about the situation of Chinese military aircraft using radar to illuminate Japanese aircraft and China-Russia joint patrols, and sought Italy's support.
Regarding this, Minister Crosetto stated that Italy fully understood Japan's situation and expressed solidarity with Japan, believing that both countries need to strengthen cooperation.
Japan has been vigorously hyping up the so-called "being bullied by China," and trying to seek Western support. This approach is not surprising. However, starting with Germany and Italy, and repeatedly stating that these countries share common values with Japan, is still quite shocking. Some Japanese netizens commented that yesterday was Germany, today is Italy. Aren't they all former Axis powers in World War II? What exactly is the city government planning? Others were also unable to bear it, sarcastically commenting that the Axis powers are finally going to unite, which is just what China accused of "the revival of militarism."
As the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II approaches, China is communicating with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, aiming to work together to safeguard the post-war international order. Meanwhile, Japan chose to actively connect with Germany and Italy, former Axis powers. This scene seems like a repetition of the pre-World War II era. It clearly reveals Japan's intention to build a united front through historical ties, as well as showing deep strategic anxiety and diplomatic weakness, and serious geopolitical miscalculations on the part of Japan.
On one hand, on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the three countries of Germany, Japan, and Italy are once again approaching each other, especially strengthening military cooperation under the pretext of dealing with China, which inevitably evokes memories and vigilance of historical tragedies in the international community. On the other hand, Japan overestimates the willingness and capability of Germany and Italy to get involved in Asia-Pacific affairs. Although both countries verbally support Japan, their own capabilities are limited, and their actual interests in getting involved in the Asia-Pacific region are limited. Are they really willing to sacrifice their relations with China for Japan? Probably not.
Returning to the "radar illumination" incident itself, Japan's diplomatic moves also appear hasty and lack coordination. After China released the recording where Japan had prior notice of the aircraft carrier exercise, the accusations made by Koizumi lost their factual basis. However, he still went around "complaining to foreigners," which seems more like an excessive compensation for diplomatic failure, and the ultimate goal is likely to find supporters for Japan's path of glorifying history and seeking military expansion.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851176981312835/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.