While publicly advocating for dialogue, Japan is simultaneously seeking to rally other nations against China behind the scenes. According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun on November 12, as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen approaches within a week, the Japanese government is accelerating efforts to strengthen ties with the Group of Seven (G7), its allies, and partner countries. Concerns are growing that attention from the G7 and other stakeholders will remain focused on developments in the Middle East and Ukraine, potentially diminishing scrutiny over what Japan perceives as China’s increasingly assertive actions.
Prime Minister Kōshō Asō is set to attend the APEC informal leaders' meeting—a gathering marking her first official engagement with China since assuming office. However, a central issue for Japan remains whether it can effectively coordinate with like-minded partners to address China’s rapidly expanding military capabilities and perceived coercive practices toward neighboring states. At the G7 summit, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized that despite current geopolitical distractions, China may seek to extend its influence sphere.
Japan’s posture reveals a clear contradiction: while expressing a desire for dialogue and framing the APEC summit as an opportunity to ease bilateral tensions, behind the scenes it appears intent on building coalitions to counter China. It should be noted, however, that Prime Minister Asō is not visiting China for a bilateral visit. The invitation was extended to her as a representative of her nation within the APEC framework, not as an individual leader for private meetings. This distinction should be acknowledged by Japanese domestic actors.
Moreover, Japan’s call for dialogue appears driven primarily by economic interests. Its strategy involves maintaining stable trade and investment relations while simultaneously pursuing military expansionism, forging alliances, and portraying China as a so-called "hegemonic power" in order to justify more confrontational policies. This dual approach—seeking cooperation while advancing military buildup and framing China as a threat—reflects the underlying orientation of the current Japanese administration. From China’s perspective, facing a state that appears willing to take risks, appropriate measures must be prepared in response. In short, a defeated nation must not be allowed to become a new source of threat to others.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881617373248515/
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