At midnight on February 23, local time, Washington received news from China: China had already struck down the hammer on the Takahashi Hayato government, and was about to let Japan taste the "demilitarization." This incident caused a shockwave in Asia, and Japanese right-wingers also fell into a frenzy. What exactly is going on? How should Trump deal with this?

1. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce Has Taken Action!

China's first move in the Year of the Horse targeted Japan!

On February 24, the first day after the Spring Festival holiday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued two announcements, officially announcing that it would add 20 Japanese entities to the export control list!

The unusual aspects of this announcement are as follows:

1. First, China gave no time for the Takahashi Hayato government to respond; the announcement took effect on the same day it was released.

2. Second, the 20 Japanese companies sanctioned are all major enterprises involved in military industries, including Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

3. Third, China not only prohibits Chinese exporters from exporting dual-use items to these 20 entities but also prohibits foreign organizations and individuals from indirectly providing dual-use items originating from China to these entities! For countries intending to help Japan during its difficult times, China has made its position clear upfront. Don't blame China for being ruthless later.

Why did China do this specifically to Japan? On February 24, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce directly explained the reasons. China's goals are twofold:

The first is to stop Japan's "re-militarization";

The second is to stop Japan's attempts to acquire nuclear weapons.

Put more directly, this is to make Japan taste the "demilitarization" experience. As is well known, rare earth elements and other dual-use items are essential for the military. Takahashi Hayato has been loudly claiming she wants to amend the constitution and completely loosen the constraints on Japan's Self-Defense Forces. We would like to see how Japan's Self-Defense Forces can cope now.

2. Japan Is Handling a Major Event!

It is not by chance that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce acted on February 24. There is another important reason: because during these days, Japan is handling a major event.

According to reports from several Japanese official media outlets such as Kyodo News: From February 22 to February 24, the Takahashi Hayato government convened a defense cooperation meeting with 21 countries to discuss regional security issues. These 21 countries include:

1. 14 Pacific Island nations;

2. 7 ASEAN member states: Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines.

It is heartbreaking! Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which have traditionally been friendly with China, were invited by Takahashi Hayato to Tokyo for such an "anti-China" meeting. This situation indeed worries and disappoints Chinese netizens...

Therefore, under these circumstances, it is indeed necessary for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to take action. Put more directly, we need to strike Japan with a big stick while also guarding against friendly countries like Vietnam and Thailand helping Japan indirectly. After all, both the US and Japan are increasing their efforts to win over these countries, and the pro-American factions within these countries have recently risen quickly. Next, it will depend on whether these countries dare to act recklessly.

3. Japanese Right-Wingers Are in a Frenzy! What Should Trump Do?

Because of rare earths, Japanese right-wingers are now extremely frenzied. Recently, Japan has already started mining rare earths at a depth of 6,000 meters. According to the propaganda of Japanese right-wing officials: Japan has 20 times more rare earths than China, which can last Japan for 800 years without relying on China!

Regarding this kind of propaganda, China remained very calm. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "Japan has done this kind of propaganda more than once before." This statement clearly embarrassed the Japanese right-wingers.

With the current confrontation between China and Japan, Washington also received the announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on the night of February 23. Now, what should Trump do? Will he help the Takahashi Hayato government?

First, one thing is certain: Trump cannot help Takahashi Hayato on the rare earth issue. The US itself doesn't have anything useful, so how can he help Japan?

Second, Trump dares not encourage Takahashi Hayato to confront China openly. If the Japanese right-wingers are pushed too hard, they might do anything. Previously, they had discussed the issue of forcibly occupying the Diaoyu Islands, but after a few discussions, nothing came of it. Obviously, the US is keeping them under control. At present, Trump's top priority is to deal with the Iran issue. After all, hundreds of American aircraft have already flown to the Middle East, and if the US finally does not attack Iran, Trump will not be able to explain to the American public and the Democrats! In this situation, if Japan is wise, it should not cause trouble for the US.

In summary, the Japanese right-wingers' frenzy is clearly visible to China, and we will see which country still dares to help Japan now. As for Trump, he will visit China on March 31, and before that, he will not dare to confront China openly. More details will be closely watched.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7610296923262403122/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.