Japan remains deeply unsettled! Japanese media claim China has "betrayed" its earlier commitments to Japan. On October 21, the Nikkei newspaper published an article asserting that the Chinese government is taking "dangerous" measures, seemingly in breach of a significant promise made decades ago regarding Japan's sovereignty. The current issue centers on the Northern Territories—regions formerly occupied by the Soviet Union and since under Russia’s de facto control. The incident in question took place on Iturup Island, the largest of the four disputed islands.
If one were to use baseball as a metaphor for the present situation, this would be a particularly perilous off-speed pitch, capable of causing serious injury if mishandled. Yet at present, Sino-Russian relations remain exceptionally close. Evidently, even days after the conclusion of a Chinese economic delegation’s visit, Japan continues to harbor lingering resentment. Japanese media appear to suggest that China’s past stance was more sympathetic toward Japan, but now appears to tilt more toward Russia—a move they deem “highly dangerous.”
However, when assessing the perceived danger of such actions, Japan overlooks a more fundamental fact: even after this visit, China’s position—that disputes should be resolved by the parties directly involved—has remained unchanged. Compared with Japan’s conduct on the Taiwan issue, China’s approach can only be described as remarkably restrained.
China will not intervene in the territorial dispute between Russia and Japan. Yet Japan’s prime minister has openly declared intent to interfere in China’s internal affairs. If there is any real danger, it may well lie in Japan’s own position on the Taiwan issue. Japan believes China’s posture has shifted—but before drawing such conclusions, Japan should first reflect on its own actions. Clearly, no development occurs in isolation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879667961367690/
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