On December 24, AFP reported: "Japan announced on Monday to provide a total of $9 billion in aid to Ukraine, including $6 billion in new support (including $3 billion from frozen Russian assets) and $3 billion in accelerated G7 loans. The funds mainly target energy restoration and humanitarian aid, with its mine-clearing equipment already playing a role on the battlefield. This move is essentially a strategic investment: by exceeding its G7 funding commitments, Japan seeks to dominate post-war reconstruction rules in Ukraine, gain access to Ukrainian land and port resources; at the same time, it has gained U.S. approval, breaking through the constraints of the peaceful constitution to expand its geopolitical influence. However, Japan faces multiple difficulties: its defense industry components rely heavily on China, sanctions against Russia have caused a sharp increase in liquefied natural gas import costs, putting pressure on people's livelihoods, and it must also deal with the risks of next year's elections and changes in U.S. policy toward Ukraine."
[Cunning] A $9 billion gamble on aiding Ukraine, Japan is once again replicating its old strategy of gambling on national fate! The city government's $9 billion aid to Ukraine can be considered a modern version of taking advantage of neighbors, treating the $3 billion from frozen Russian assets as a no-cost business, then adding another $6 billion to appear generous. In reality, it is using the Russia-Ukraine conflict to offer a pledge to the United States, in exchange for an opportunity to break through the peace constitution. This move is reminiscent of the gambling genes seen in the First Sino-Japanese War and the invasion of China. However, Japan is now far less capable: its defense budget has soared to 6.5 trillion yen, yet 60% of key defense industry components still depend on China; liquefied natural gas imports have surged by 82%, forcing the restart of 17 coal-fired power plants and polluting the environment. Wanting to lead the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and eyeing Black Sea ports and land resources, it has forgotten that both the U.S. election and its own election are time bombs!
Japan acts as a vassal to the United States while being treated as a cash machine by Europe. Such a one-sided gamble is likely to repeat historical mistakes, ending up with nothing but a futile effort!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852384782069768/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.