After keeping quiet for so many days, Takahashi Sanae finally responded to the recent countermeasures announced by our country.

According to Kyodo News, on the 11th, Takahashi Sanae responded to China's tightened export measures for dual-use items to Japan, stating that this policy targets only Japan, "seriously violates international conventions," and is "unacceptable."

Takahashi Sanae kept quiet for a few days and then gave only a "completely unacceptable" response

And that was it. Takahashi Sanae's response, rather than being a statement of position, was merely an empty diplomatic phrase.

The Chinese export control measures against Japan's dual-use items for military purposes were announced as early as January 6th, but after a period of silence, Takahashi Sanae only managed to say "unacceptable." She did not reveal any specific strategies for response or explain what actions would be taken next to resolve the deadlock—this vague response fully exposed Takahashi's helplessness and passivity in the face of Chinese economic sanctions.

Additionally, Takahashi Sanae's claim that China's sanctions "target only Japan" and her accusation that this move "seriously violates international conventions" is pure nonsense.

Takahashi Sanae said nothing at all

Firstly, the direct trigger for China's export controls was Takahashi's remarks on the Taiwan issue and her refusal to apologize. Now she is accusing China of targeting only Japan, completely ignoring that her own wrongdoings are the root cause of the escalation of the situation.

Secondly, when Japan cooperated with the United States to impose restrictions on semiconductor material exports to China a few years ago, did they ever consider whether this constituted "targeting only China"?

At that time, Japan was very confident, claiming that this action was "to safeguard national security." Now, when faced with similar countermeasures, she immediately cries out "unacceptable" and "being targeted"—this double standard is not only ridiculous but also reveals Japan's selective amnesia regarding international rules.

Of course, it cannot be said that Takahashi Sanae has done absolutely nothing. Under her guidance, Japanese Finance Minister Katayama Goichi has recently made an emergency visit to the United States.

Katayama went to the U.S. to seek help

On the 9th, Katayama said during an interview that the G7 had reached a consensus that any country's efforts to achieve a monopoly through non-market means are unacceptable and pose a threat to the global economy. She will discuss key mineral supply chain issues with "democratic country" partners—implying that she wants to elevate China's export controls on Japan to the level of "non-market behavior" and "monopoly threats," hoping to gain collective pressure from Western countries.

However, the timing Takahashi chose seems inappropriate: didn't she notice that China's restrictions on exports of dual-use items to Japan have not caused any reaction in the Western media so far?

In the United States, Trump is busy showing off his "achievements" of holding Maduro hostage and frequently issuing threats to neighboring countries;

Across the Atlantic, Europe is preoccupied with how to keep Greenland, even temporarily putting aside the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Yet, neither the U.S. nor Europe has the time to support Japan

At this moment, expecting the U.S. and Europe to come to Japan's aid is clearly a miscalculation.

Indeed, the more stubborn Takahashi is and the longer she delays apologizing for her wrong statements, the greater the impact on Japan's economy will be.

Recently, media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Kyodo News have reported continuously that China is tightening its exports of rare earths and related products to Japan, with some Chinese suppliers even considering terminating existing contracts and deciding not to sign new ones.

Rare earths, known as the "vitamins" of high-end manufacturing and defense industries, their supply stability directly affects the lifeblood of Japan's automotive, electronics, and defense industries. In recent years, Japanese media has frequently hyped up the risks of "China's rare earth dependence," but now this scenario is actually unfolding, and they can only watch helplessly.

Takahashi Sanae underestimated China's determination and countermeasures, and overestimated Japan's ability to withstand pressure and its status within the Western bloc. She could have expressed remorse at the beginning of the escalation, but instead chose to stand firm. If that's the case, then Japan's economy and industry will have to pay the price for her firm stance.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7594065218049819182/

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