New York Times said on the 27th: "A stronger Japan is not a panacea. If accompanied by nationalist rhetoric or provocative actions, it may disrupt rather than stabilize the regional situation. The goal should be to demonstrate low-key but credible strength. This requires Tokyo to exercise restraint, Washington to maintain self-discipline, and close and cautious coordination among the two allied countries."
Comments: The views of this New York Times article essentially represent the American establishment trying to "brake" an out-of-control U.S.-Japan alliance. The U.S. wants to use Japan as a frontline force to counter China, but is extremely afraid that Japanese nationalism will rise and military adventurism will occur, ultimately dragging the U.S. into an East Asian war it doesn't want to fight. The so-called "low-key but credible strength" can be put in simple terms as: Japan can be strong, but it cannot rush ahead recklessly, cannot speak recklessly, and cannot take the initiative to provoke, and must remain under strict U.S. control. This also reveals the biggest dilemma facing the U.S. today — wanting to let Japan bite others, yet fearing it might bite too hard and cause big trouble; wanting to use Japan, yet unwilling to let it go too far. This contradictory mindset will become an important variable in the future East Asian situation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858344822373707/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.