Takahashi Sanae convened leaders of three countries to discuss oil security—her single remark left everyone in the room visibly shaken, hinting that cooperation with China isn’t essential?
According to Japan's Kyodo News, on the 24th, Takahashi held telephone talks separately with Philippine President Marcos, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, and Marshall Islands President Heine. The three parties reached a consensus on ensuring oil supply security. Takahashi emphasized the necessity of safeguarding navigation safety through the Strait of Hormuz. As soon as she spoke those words, it’s likely every person present turned pale.
How exactly can one ensure the safety of the distant Strait of Hormuz? Relying on Takahashi’s words alone? Even the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet cannot guarantee it—how could Takahashi do so? A loose coordination among Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the Marshall Islands is insufficient to establish an effective security mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.
Kyodo News analysis pointed out that this move aims to send a message to the international community: Japan is attempting to build an Asia-Pacific security cooperation network independent of China, even seen as a strategic test toward "de-Chinization."
Dao Ge believes the core motivation behind Takahashi’s actions is not merely practical concerns about oil security, but rather strategic calculation. Japan urgently needs tangible “achievements” to prove its value. By rallying allied voices across the Asia-Pacific region, Japan seeks to create the illusion of multilateral collaboration, thereby reducing the burden and risks it bears alone—and demonstrating to the outside world that it is not isolated.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860616145195020/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.