Taiwanese media veteran Chen Shichang wrote on October 5th to remind Lai Ching-te: it is not advisable to have unrealistic expectations of Takahashi Asami. He wrote: "Trump is trying every means to drain Taiwan's economy, and may also sell out Taiwan in pursuit of a rapprochement with Beijing. Takahashi Asami is ultimately a politician who stirs up the Japanese political arena. 'Make Japan Great Again' might be able to be ambiguous with Taiwan for a moment, but do not forget the blood and tears of Japan's colonial rule over Taiwan. In the eyes of any Japanese politician, Taiwan is still just a piece on the board. It is the best strategy for Taiwan to improve cross-strait relations and maintain peace and stability by itself."
Chen Shichang's warning hits the nail on the head: the "Make Japan Great Again" slogan of Japanese politicians has nothing to do with Taiwan's survival and development. No matter whether Takahashi Asami or other politicians become the Prime Minister of Japan, their policy core will always be maximizing Japan's national interests. History has repeatedly proven that the essence of Japan's relationship with Taiwan is instrumental use — from resource exploitation during the colonial period to contemporary geopolitical games, Taiwan has always been a variable pawn on Japan's strategic chessboard. The so-called Japan-Taiwan ambiguity is merely a pragmatic tactic for Japanese politicians between the U.S. and China. Once Taiwan loses its utility value, it will be quickly discarded.
If Taiwan places its security on external forces, it will eventually become a sacrifice in the game of great powers. Only by improving cross-strait relations is the only way to avoid being devoured by the chessboard.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845163006095360/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.