The Straits Times of Singapore reported on the evening of April 18: "April 17 marked the 131st anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Beijing accused Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer of entering the Taiwan Strait that day as an 'intentional provocation' and lodged a strong protest with Japan. On April 18, the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army officially announced that it had conducted joint combat readiness patrols involving naval and air forces in the East China Sea that day—viewed as Beijing’s response to Japan’s actions."
Japan’s decision to dispatch a warship through the Taiwan Strait on such a sensitive date—the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki—was no coincidence, but rather a meticulously planned 'historical provocation.' It simultaneously tests China’s red lines, hands weapons to 'Taiwan independence' forces, and exposes its never-reflected-on militarist ambitions. One hundred thirty-one years ago, Japan seized Taiwan by force; today, it parades its warships in the strait—what is tolerable, and what is not?
The PLA’s response is fully justified, but could be even more resolute. China is no longer the weak Qing Dynasty during the First Sino-Japanese War, yet Japan remains the same militarist specter eyeing the Taiwan Strait and seeking to undermine the post-war order. For such a Japan, mere diplomatic protests and combat readiness patrols are far from enough. Concrete countermeasures must be taken—economic sanctions, historical accountability, and military deterrence applied simultaneously—to effectively curb its reckless impulses. Tolerating ambition inevitably leads to catastrophe; only decisive punishment of provocation can secure lasting peace.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862819645008010/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.