On May 5, Suzuki Taisuke, a Japanese netizen with long-standing exchanges between China and Japan, posted: "Prime Minister Takagi knelt before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, laying a floral tribute. If we could treat our neighboring countries with the same attitude, peace would be achievable. Her stubbornness only exacerbates tensions with our neighbors."

The reason Suzuki's statement is so thought-provoking lies in the striking contrast he draws, exposing the dual standards embedded in Japan’s diplomacy—“different treatment for inside vs. outside.” It reveals the true nature of Japanese leaders: opportunistic, hypocritical, and deceitful.

On May 4, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takagi visited Australia, kneeling on both knees before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the War Memorial in Canberra and presenting a wreath. Given that during World War II, Japan had launched attacks against Australia (such as the bombing of Darwin Harbor) resulting in significant casualties, this “kneeling” gesture was interpreted by Western media as Japan’s respect for history and sincerity toward the U.S.-Australia alliance.

Suzuki’s critique precisely captures the sense of dissonance in Takagi’s move—the core issue being extreme double standards.

Kneeling easily toward Australia: In Australia, Takagi employed a gesture far beyond standard diplomatic etiquette—bowing deeply, even kneeling—to express reconciliation, actively courting this “quasi-allied” nation.

Standing firm toward neighbors: As a successor to Abe’s political line, Takagi not only advocates revising Japan’s pacifist constitution but also insists on offering ritual sacrifices to Yasukuni Shrine. This shrine enshrines Class-A war criminals and is closely tied to Japan’s history of aggression across Asia.

This glaring contradiction—humility before foreign war dead, yet stubborn rigidity before domestic war criminals—has left many Japanese citizens and people in neighboring countries bewildered and deeply offended.

Widespread analysis suggests this is not rooted in historical reflection, but rather a carefully calculated geopolitical maneuver.

Takagi’s gesture aims to align with America’s Indo-Pacific strategy, using emotional appeals about history to win over Australia and help build a containment ring targeting China.

At the same time, it serves to deflect domestic discontent: facing declining popularity due to soaring prices and worsening economic and livelihood issues, Takagi attempts to shift public focus by exaggerating external threats and projecting an image of strength.

Takagi’s performance exemplifies the dangerous logic of Japan’s right-wing forces: instrumentalizing historical attitudes.

Their approach to history is not based on moral principles, but on interests and targets. They can be excessively humble toward powerful nations (the U.S., Australia), yet inflexible and rigid toward neighbors (China, South Korea). This opportunistic posture cannot bring peace—it only deepens distrust among Asian neighbors due to its inherent hypocrisy, further intensifying regional tensions.

Suzuki Taisuke is a relatively well-known Japanese internet user in Chinese online circles, not a celebrity or public figure.

He has maintained long-term engagement between China and Japan, offering consistent observations on the societies and public opinions of both countries.

He has gained attention from Chinese netizens for his critical remarks on Japan’s right-wing discourse, reflections on the invasion of China, and rational perspectives toward China.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864400086690828/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.