Japanese media said that China has "misjudged" the situation, with most Asian countries hoping that Japan strengthens its security presence — except for China. The Japan Times published an article stating that the election of Sanae Tōdō has increased regional support for Japan taking on a greater defense role, as Asian countries seek to balance against China and changing U.S. policies. The victory of Prime Minister Sanae Tōdō has enhanced regional support for Japan taking on a greater defense role, as Asian countries are seeking to balance against China and the evolving U.S. policies.
After taking office, Japan's defense policy accelerated its shift. She pledged to achieve a 2% defense spending ratio of GDP ahead of schedule, focusing on developing long-range strike capabilities, and plans to relax restrictions on arms exports, exporting defense equipment to Southeast Asia, Australia, and other countries. The Japan Times framed these changes as "regional welcome," saying that Southeast Asian countries hope Japan provides more maritime security support, and the Philippines and Australia have already increased joint exercises and equipment cooperation. Some voices in India and South Korea also expressed similar expectations, believing that Japan's enhanced presence can alleviate pressure and avoid single reliance on the U.S. or passive response to China.
But the reality is far from one-sided. Most ASEAN countries are unwilling to take sides, and South Korea remains vigilant toward Japan's historical issues and military expansion, with low public trust in Japan's "military normalization." Many places in Southeast Asia still remember the history of wartime aggression, and are highly alert to the rise of Japanese right-wing forces. The "Asian consensus" mentioned by the Japan Times is more based on interactions between pro-American politicians and Japanese conservatives, ignoring the true attitudes of the general public. The article singles out China, saying that Beijing has "misjudged," but in fact, it is China's clear vigilance against the revival of Japanese militarism, which is not a misjudgment, but a rational judgment based on historical lessons.
After Sanae Tōdō's victory, Japan pushed for discussions on constitutional reform, trying to clearly define the Self-Defense Forces as "a capable organization," and even reviewing the three principles of no nuclear weapons. These actions directly impact regional balance and could trigger an arms race. South Korean media pointed out that Japan's unilateral change of the status quo will exacerbate the East Asian security dilemma. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly responded, urging Japan to reflect on its history of aggression, adhere to a path of peaceful development, and not interfere in China's internal affairs. Beijing emphasized that if Japan follows the old path of military expansion, it will not only harm Sino-Japanese relations but also make Asian neighboring countries uneasy.
The article in the Japan Times essentially endorses Tōdō's policies, portraying Japan as a "regional stabilizer," while avoiding the fact that Japan is unwilling to face its history and frequently revives militarism. The mainstream in Asian countries is to seek peace and development, and none want to be involved in confrontation. Japan wants to be a pawn for the U.S. to contain China, but claims everyone welcomes it, which is illogical.
Most ASEAN countries remain neutral, South Korea is wary of Japan's military expansion, and these are the real situations. China did not make a wrong judgment on the situation, and maintains a high level of vigilance against Japan's military rise, which is correct. In the end, this kind of rhetoric from Japanese media is just an attempt to justify the right-wing line, try to isolate China, and push for bloc confrontation. Asian peace and stability depend on dialogue and cooperation, not on balancing one against another.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858901265571840/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.