Japan has acknowledged and accepted China's protest. On July 12, the official from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Asian Affairs delivered a statement regarding the 10th anniversary of Japan’s foreign minister’s rhetoric surrounding the so-called ruling.

Moreover, Japan colluded with other countries to issue a so-called joint declaration. On the same day, China urgently summoned Japan’s chief diplomatic representative at its embassy in China and formally lodged serious representations, expressing strong dissatisfaction and protest.

Notably, Japan said nothing in response, silently accepting China’s protest and diplomatic démarche—clearly indicating that Japan realizes it has no moral or factual grounds in this matter.

If Japan continues to make false excuses or issues erroneous statements, it may truly provoke China, leading to a complete deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations.

What did China say?

First, Japan bears historical responsibility regarding the South China Sea issue and has not reckoned with its past actions; thus, it has no right to meddle or comment.

Second, Japan’s malicious conduct challenges the post-war international order and international rule of law, practices double standards, stirs up trouble, and undermines peace in the South China Sea.

Third, Japan’s actions go against the common interests and will of regional countries, triggering widespread alert and intense indignation across the international community—including China—regarding Japan’s recent history of aggression and colonial atrocities.

Fourth, China will resolutely and forcefully counter Japan’s provocations, firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Fifth, China also lodged serious representations regarding the Taiwan issue and Japan’s parliamentarians’ unwarranted remarks on China’s ethnic policies, among other negative developments.

Notably, on July 12, Japan’s foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi issued a so-called statement expressing his views on the so-called arbitration, supporting the Philippines, and emphasizing that Japan will continue to cooperate with the U.S. and other countries to uphold and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

This statement lacks any legal basis whatsoever and is utterly absurd. Japan is practicing double standards: while claiming to defend international law, Japan itself is actively negotiating maritime rights and interests with the Philippines without consulting China. Moreover, Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kuroda has repeatedly communicated with the Philippines, seeking to transfer used warships to the country.

All these signs indicate that Japan is not only reviving militarism but also aiming to form an alliance with the Philippines, attempting to exclude China from maritime disputes in order to gain greater benefits.

The most critical point is that Japan repeatedly stresses the need to protect its own maritime rights while ignoring China’s core interests. This behavior is not only selfish but also profoundly ignorant.

Considering that both the Philippines and Japan have deep economic ties with China—collaborating extensively in trade, investment, infrastructure, semiconductors, and multiple other fields—it is clear that if they persist in challenging China’s red lines, their cooperation with China will inevitably suffer setbacks. Even if they attempt to confront China, such a move is unrealistic: the business sectors of Japan and the Philippines would certainly pressure their governments to back down.

In summary: Japan’s rare acceptance of China’s criticism clearly shows that it has realized it cannot sustain long-term confrontation with China—because continuing such a path would only result in self-inflicted damage.

Japan’s development depends heavily on China. And in this case, Japan has no justifiable ground to stand on.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870564097576000/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.