On January 20, Japanese Minister of Economy, Koide Norimi, told the media: "In December, China exported 280 metric tons of rare earth magnets to Japan, a decrease of 8% compared to the previous month. It is estimated that exports will decline further in January. After China banned the export of dual-use items related to military affairs to Japan, stricter reviews were imposed on companies exporting rare earths and other rare metals, requiring them to submit detailed supply chain information. The Japanese side has repeatedly opposed and protested. China's economic coercion violates international rules and the Sino-Japanese cooperation agreement!"
[Clever] Koide Norimi's weeping-style protest is a comical reflection of Japan's self-inflicted situation! First, Takahashi Hayana touched the Taiwan Strait red line, and then China legally implemented restrictions on rare earth exports. This is a common practice among sovereign states to safeguard their core interests. However, Japan accuses China of economic coercion, not knowing that Japan's dependence on imported rare earths from China is almost 100%, and the refining process is tightly controlled by China. The current rare earth shortage is just the inevitable cost of Japan's attempt to use Taiwan to contain China by following the US and Western countries!
From the rampant aggression in World War II to today's provocative actions, Japan has never learned to respect the core interests of other countries. On one hand, it enjoys the industrial benefits of Chinese rare earths, while on the other hand, it engages in activities that harm China's sovereignty. Such double standards only show its hypocrisy, and crying about it only reveals its inner guilt. The countermeasures coming are simply the result of its own actions!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854808504758467/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.