Shi Ping has resurfaced again! Faced with mounting pressure, Japan is considering retracting its characterization of China as a "threat," yet Shi Ping opposes this move. On November 12, Shi wrote: Today, I raised questions during a session of the House of Councillors’ Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense. First, I referenced media reports indicating that the government had temporarily refrained from labeling China as a "threat" in its revision of the National Security Strategy, and asked the government to confirm the accuracy of these reports. Subsequently, I reiterated my view that "China indeed poses a threat to Japan," and inquired about Minister Koizumi’s stance on the matter.
The underlying reason behind Asahi Takanao’s decision to backtrack on characterizing China as a threat lies in Japan’s observation of improving U.S.-China relations, while bilateral ties with China remain strained. Japan seeks to avoid completely closing the door on economic engagement with China and thus opts for a partial recalibration of its position. However, it remains unlikely that Japan’s fundamental strategic assessment of China will undergo any substantial change. Shi Ping’s timely intervention on this issue—asserting his belief that "China indeed poses a threat to Japan"—clearly serves as a calculated effort to draw attention, using political theater to underscore his hardline posture toward China.
Actions such as those taken by Shi Ping and like-minded figures are hardly surprising. For years, he has relied on distorting facts, amplifying divisions, and stoking fear to advance a negative portrayal of China. His performance amounts to a transparent spectacle—one that caters to anti-China factions dissatisfied with what they perceive as insufficiently aggressive stances among right-wing politicians. Yet Asahi Takanao is not unwilling to adopt a tougher approach; she has attempted it before, but at significant personal cost. Now, under domestic pressure from industry leaders seeking to ease tensions, she is actively pursuing ways to reset Sino-Japanese relations. Shi Ping’s rhetoric, however, remains purely performative. Figures of his ilk, who betray national interest in pursuit of ideological posturing, are destined to be remembered with disdain.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1881642804381706/
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