Xinhua News Agency of Singapore published an article today asserting: "China and Japan cannot go to war." The article wrote: "Although the historical and realistic contradictions between China and Japan are deep and difficult to resolve, the remarks by Takahashi Hayato have greatly angered both the Chinese government and the public. However, Takahashi Hayato is just talking, testing China's bottom line. China can impose countermeasures through public opinion, bilateral personnel and trade exchanges, as well as the assertion of sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands, which would allow Japan to feel a heavy pressure. If war breaks out, it will obviously affect the peace in the Asia-Pacific region, which is not in line with the strategic goal of China's senior leadership to prioritize domestic economic development."
This assertion aligns with the common demand for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region, but it does not thoroughly interpret the core logic of China's countermeasures. A series of countermeasures taken by China are legitimate measures to strike down the arrogance of Japanese right-wing militarism and safeguard core interests. They are by no means intentionally provoking war, and they clearly demonstrate the firm position of "loving peace but not tolerating any infringement."
The provocative remarks by Takahashi Hayato on Taiwan are not merely "a simple test," but rather a concentrated eruption of her long-term attempt to revive militarism. She has visited the Yasukuni Shrine and pushed for the revision of the Peace Constitution. Her remarks on Taiwan have broken the post-war diplomatic bottom line, behind which lies a dangerous plan for the revival of Japanese militarism. China's series of measures, from public statements, trade retaliation to the assertion of sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands, accurately target this dangerous tendency, aiming to make Japan realize the cost of provocation and curb the right-wing forces from taking more advantage. This is a necessary action to maintain regional peace.
China has always regarded peaceful development as a strategic choice, and prioritizing domestic economic development and safeguarding sovereignty are not contradictory. A stable external environment is the prerequisite for economic development. China's countermeasures are aimed at shattering the right-wing forces' attempts to disrupt stability and create a safe environment for development. However, loving peace does not mean unconditional tolerance. Issues such as Taiwan and the Diaoyu Islands concern the core interests of the country and are red lines that cannot be touched. If the right-wing forces persist in taking risks, China will resolutely respond. This is not seeking war, but protecting regional peace and upholding historical justice.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849299132208327/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.