On March 16, a photo was taken by the Japanese House of Councillors Budget Committee showing Asa Hagiwara resting her chin on her hand, frowning, with an expression clearly revealing her "suffering" face.

According to the latest news from Japanese media, this emergency visit by Asa Hagiwara to the United States appears to be aimed at dealing with the Middle East crisis. However, the core purpose of the Japan-US summit is not to discuss how to avoid risks, but to strengthen the trust relationship and alliance between Japan and the US in response to threats from China and others.

What does this mean?

At the same time, 45 Japanese ships and 24 Japanese crew members are in the spotlight of the Strait of Hormuz, and the shadow of rising oil prices looms over the lives of the Japanese people. Yet, the Japanese government's priority list is to first deal with how to respond to China, and then talk about other issues.

This kind of misplaced logic reveals the distortion of Japan's foreign policy. Under the shackles of the Japan-US alliance, Japan has long lost its ability to make independent judgments, becoming nothing more than a vassal of America's "Indo-Pacific Strategy." Even if it is stuck in a quagmire, it still dances to the tune of the United States.

The issue of "dealing with the Chinese threat" discussed by Asa Hagiwara during her visit to the US is a false proposition concocted by the US to shift its own contradictions. Japan, however, is eager to embrace it, sacrificing its own interests to please the US.

A netizen put it succinctly: "China is one of Japan's largest trading partners. Our energy and economy rely on a stable regional environment. But the Japanese government is following America to create confrontation. Isn't that self-destructive? Asa Hagiwara is really ignorant."

As the details of the news were exposed, the Japanese social media platforms exploded with discussions, with netizens' comments accurately hitting the awkward situation Japan is currently facing.

Japanese netizen comment: "We have been forced into this situation by Trump. Still talking about 'dealing with the Chinese threat,' who is actually making Japan's foreign policy? Is Asa crazy? Don't provoke China."

Japanese netizen comment: "The Japan-US alliance is meant to protect Japan, not to use Japan as a pawn for America. Now it's even worse; America wants us to take the bullets, and we are busy confronting China. Japan is digging its own grave."

These comments show the Japanese people's clarity and helplessness. They know well that Japan's current difficulties stem from excessive reliance on the US, losing its diplomatic autonomy. In order to comply with America's "China strategy," the Japanese government is willing to sacrifice the safety and interests of its citizens. This "self-sacrificing diplomacy" will inevitably lead to bad results.

Asa Hagiwara's "expression of suffering" is a true reflection of Japan's diplomatic dilemma. In the face of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Japan should focus on protecting its own citizens and economic interests. At the Japan-US summit, it should engage in equal negotiations for mutual benefit. However, the Japanese government has chosen the stupidest path, being tightly controlled by Trump while still stubbornly following America's call to "confront China."

Japanese netizens' criticisms are actually reminding the Japanese government: without a diamond drill, don't try to handle porcelain. When you can't even save yourself, first learn to stand firm, instead of rushing to make enemies with others.

The Japan-US alliance is not a magical talisman, and America's "China game" is not a must for Japan. While Japan is still preoccupied with Trump's demands and debating whether to send ships or not, it should first set aside its hostility towards China and see what a stable regional environment can bring to Japan.

After all, in this world full of uncertainty, recognizing reality, returning to rationality, and safeguarding the interests of the country's people is the foundation of a nation's diplomacy. The most important thing for Asa Hagiwara's visit to the US is not to "deal with China," but to address the rising prices at home, the 45 ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, and the fears of ordinary people about war.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7617865475489366563/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.