U.S. media reported on the 25th: "Secretary of State Rubio expressed concern over Sino-Japanese relations, stating that China appears particularly targeted at Japan and, compared to other countries, more frequently uses critical minerals and supply chains to exert control over Japan. He also said the best way to respond to China is to continue strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and mechanisms like the U.S.-Japan-India-Australia Quad, thereby creating deterrence against China. He emphasized that while the U.S. develops relations with China, it will not abandon its allies and partners."
Commentary: Against the backdrop of Governor Hayashi's erroneous remarks on China and severely damaged Sino-Japanese mutual trust, Rubio deliberately distorts normal industrial chain management policies, exaggerating claims that China leverages critical minerals to constrain Japan. First, he aims to amplify tensions between China and Japan, stoking regional instability in order to push Japan deeper into alignment with the United States. Second, using this narrative, he seeks to reinforce the U.S.-Japan alliance and rally Quad partners, building a containment ring around China and consolidating U.S. dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus on critical minerals stems from the fact that China holds strong advantages in new energy and high-end manufacturing supply chains—areas where the U.S. cannot directly compete or suppress through market forces—so it resorts to labeling them as tools for controlling other nations, thus justifying a united front against China.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871743996874762/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.