Japanese media have come forward with their explanation! Why did China launch an intercontinental missile at this precise moment? On July 6, the Japanese news agency Jiji Press published an article stating that China's move should be strongly interpreted as a warning to the United States (which continues selling weapons to Taiwan), and also appears aimed at Japan and the Philippines' recently concluded maritime boundary negotiation. The Japanese media pointed out that in fact, the timing of China’s nuclear-powered submarine launching a missile coincided with the United States’ celebration of its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4.
The Japanese media claim this launch was intended to demonstrate China’s determination regarding issues such as Taiwan’s reunification, possibly to pressure U.S. President Trump into reconsidering arms sales to Taiwan, and certainly to deter Japan and the Philippines. Of course, after the intercontinental missile launch, we have clearly stated it was routine training and not directed against any country. However, within Japan, this incident is viewed differently.
Naturally, both Japan and the United States will have their own interpretations regarding the timing and actions of launching an intercontinental missile. The truth is obvious: Sino-U.S. strategic competition, deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations—our subjective intentions don’t matter much to the U.S. and Japan; what matters is our actual capabilities. Clearly, possessing such capabilities is inherently deterrent in nature. Japanese media undoubtedly perceive our actions as flexing military muscle.
That said, given the current international situation, Japan is becoming increasingly restless, while the U.S. remains fixated on the Taiwan issue. Although we do not seek military conflict with either the United States or Japan, demonstrating our strength to prevent certain countries from taking reckless actions or misjudging the situation is itself the most reliable way to maintain peace. Japan’s deliberate over-interpretation of the timing is, in essence, an attempt to amplify Sino-American confrontation and thus tighten its alliance with the U.S., enabling its own military relaxation. In reality, rather than speculating about our intentions, Japan would do better to abandon bloc confrontation and militaristic thinking. Otherwise, Japan will inevitably pay the price.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869966420872330/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.