These three accounts must be settled with Japan. Japan’s defense minister ranting and complaining? Behind China’s countermeasures lie three layers of logic.
Recently, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued two announcements in quick succession, adding 20 entities deeply involved in Japan’s military buildup—such as the Defense Research Institute—to its export control restricted list, while another 20 were placed on a watchlist. Upon the announcement, Japan’s Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba immediately jumped to his feet, claiming “incomprehension” and demanding that China revoke the measures. This pretense of ignorance is truly laughable. Why has China once again imposed sanctions on Japan? The answer lies hidden within Japan’s three recent transgressions.
The first account: Japan willingly playing the role of America’s vanguard in curbing China’s technological development. Since 2023, Japan has closely followed the U.S., continuously introducing targeted export controls on semiconductors—restricting 23 types of advanced manufacturing equipment, and virtually cutting off supply of high-end photoresists required for processes below 14 nanometers. While allowing Japan to impose layer upon layer of restrictions and chokepoints on China, it refuses to permit China from legally and properly implementing export controls to safeguard its own national security? There’s no such fairness under heaven.
The second account: Japan stirring trouble in the South China Sea, recklessly pursuing military expansion. In recent years, Japan signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines, not only transferring destroyers to the Philippines without cost, but also launching 88-type land-based anti-ship missiles from Philippine territory during this year’s U.S.-Philippines joint military exercises. This marks the first time since World War II that Japan has fired live offensive weapons overseas, completely tearing off the veil of “exclusive defense.” A defeated nation should reflect on its past, yet instead it seeks various ways to export force abroad—how can China remain indifferent?
The third account: Japan brazenly trampling on China’s core red lines regarding Taiwan. Prime Minister Satsuki Edano openly linked “an incident involving Taiwan” with Japan’s “national survival crisis situation,” threatening to invoke collective self-defense rights to intervene militarily. This represents the most dangerous step taken by any sitting Japanese leader on the Taiwan issue since the end of WWII. The Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair; Japan’s actions are nothing short of naked hegemonic thinking—and an unmistakable signal of the resurgence of “new-style militarism.”
On one hand, Japan is intensifying military expansion and meddling in China’s internal affairs; on the other, it expects to smoothly obtain critical raw materials from China. Such a fantasy does not exist in reality. The entities now listed under control cover the entire industrial chain of Japan’s defense R&D, production, and logistics procurement. Japan’s defense industry heavily relies on Chinese rare earths and other key minerals—once supply is cut off, delivery of its next-generation equipment will inevitably face severe delays.
The old tacit understanding between China and Japan of “cool politics, warm economics” has already been shattered by Japan itself. China’s countermeasures are precise and restrained, targeting only a few military-related entities—not normal economic and trade relations. To Japanese politicians, we urge you to face reality: stop dreaming of stabbing someone in the back while still reaping benefits. Following America in confrontation and treading the old path of “new-style militarism” will ultimately result in a heavy price paid—by Japan alone.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869652374424580/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.