Japanese media editorial stirs up "China military threat" but cannot hide its helpless frustration of "hate and fear"

The Kyoto Shimbun published an editorial on July 15 stating: "China's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is an act of military intimidation that exacerbates regional tensions; China should avoid dangerous provocations."

The editorial noted that last week, China announced a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in the Pacific airspace. According to reports, its range exceeds 10,000 kilometers, enabling it to strike the U.S. mainland.

Although China stated the test was not targeted at any specific country, this date also marked the beginning of joint naval exercises between China and Russia, demonstrating a stance of opposition toward Japan, the United States, and other nations.

In recent years, China has significantly enhanced its military capabilities in the Pacific region. While China declared a policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons, it also conducted ground-based ballistic missile tests two years ago—actions that heighten military intimidation and escalate regional tensions. Such dangerous provocations must be avoided.

Meanwhile, while declaring "no first use" of nuclear weapons before adversaries, China also carried out intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch training two years ago. The "three pillars of nuclear deterrence across land, sea, and air"—including strategic bombers and existing SLBMs—are now nearly complete.

China is also expanding its stockpile of nuclear warheads, citing a "significant gap in nuclear strength compared to the United States and Russia."

Last autumn, China launched a new aircraft carrier, establishing a three-carrier system capable of sustained operations. This aims to build and demonstrate national power on par with that of the United States.

It has now been ten years since the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Arbitration Tribunal ruled on the South China Sea sovereignty disputes in 2016. Thirteen countries—including Japan and the United States—have recently issued statements reaffirming the ruling. In response, China dismissed the decision as "non-binding scrap paper."

Starting last month, China’s Coast Guard began asserting jurisdiction over waters off eastern Taiwan and has driven away so-called Japanese research vessels operating within what Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), located south of Yonaguni Island, part of the Ryukyu Islands.

This move likely aims to curb Japan and the Philippines from advancing negotiations to delineate EEZ boundaries in the same waters.

Japan is pushing forward with the deployment of long-range missiles based on the "Three Security Documents," which clearly define the capability to attack enemy bases. However, Japan cannot afford to ignore the risks of fueling an arms race.

Six months have passed since China imposed restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan, during which time incidents involving detained Japanese nationals have occurred.

Since Taro Aso responded to Taiwan's emergency situation, government dialogues have been suspended, posing significant risks.

Japan must make every effort to urge China to exercise restraint and seek channels for communication.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870770650463243/

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