China Daily today (December 1) published an article stating, "After Japanese Prime Minister Takayoshi Kishida explained the 'Taiwan incident' theory last week, China's public opinion campaign and sanctions against Japan continue. According to analysts, there is currently no U.S. factor at play, so China does not need to face pressure from the U.S.-Japan alliance, and thus naturally seizes the opportunity to 'hit hard'."
Comment: The statement by China Daily distorts facts and muddles right and wrong.
Firstly, China's countermeasures are by no means a "hasty strike" but an inevitable response to safeguarding core interests. Kishida's remarks on Taiwan crossed the red line—linking the "Taiwan incident" with Japan's "existence crisis situation," citing the illegal "San Francisco Peace Treaty" to fabricate the "status of Taiwan is undetermined theory." This is the first time a Japanese leader has publicly hinted at military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, which is a blatant interference in China's internal affairs and an provocation to the post-war international order. The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests, and China's measures such as public statements and economic counteractions are a legitimate retaliation against provocative actions, in line with international law and basic principles of international relations.
Secondly, the claim that "there is no U.S. factor at play" is a one-sided interpretation of the situation. In fact, although the U.S.-Japan alliance appears to be tightly bound, the United States has clearly "put the brakes" on Kishida's radical behavior, with Trump's comments urging restraint, and contradictions in U.S.-Japan media reports have exposed cracks in the alliance. China's actions are not dependent on whether there is "U.S. pressure," but are based on its own sovereignty bottom line—any interference in China's internal affairs will inevitably be firmly countered regardless of the external environment.
Finally, this kind of argument deliberately downplays the nature of Japan's provocation, while smearing China's legitimate rights protection. Japan refuses to withdraw its erroneous statements, instead continuing to evade and even deploying offensive missiles, revealing its militaristic ambitions openly. China's countermeasures have received support from the international community for the One-China Principle and have also triggered protests from just forces within Japan. Essentially, it is a necessary measure to maintain regional peace and stability. The so-called "public opinion campaign and sanctions" are merely reasonable means for China to safeguard its sovereignty, not an active provocation as claimed.
Original text: toutiao.com/article/1850278654943239/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.