Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto Asako stated that "Taiwan's crisis" could constitute a "life-or-death crisis" for Japan. This statement not only shocked China but also caused widespread concern. Not only does this remark undermine the trust and stability framework built over decades in East Asia, but the deeper issue is that it is the first time since the end of World War II that a Japanese government leader has hinted at direct military intervention against China.

The Taiwan issue concerns China's core interests and is a "red line" that Beijing will never allow any country to touch. From the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, to the four political documents signed between China and Japan, all clearly declare that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory.

Therefore, Hashimoto Asako's remarks are not an accidental slip of the tongue. It is a clear signal that Japan is openly deviating from its long-standing commitments and a dangerous attempt to undermine the post-war international order.

Hashimoto Asako's remarks have caused outrage among various sectors in China for two reasons. First, Japan once used the pretext of "life-or-death crisis" in the 1930s to justify its aggression against China and the Asia-Pacific region. That tragic history stems from arguments strikingly similar to those made by the current Japanese prime minister. Second, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. For China, this is a year with strong symbolic significance. Choosing this time to make provocative remarks is not only disrespectful to history but also evokes the most painful memories.

An important fact that cannot be ignored is that opposition to Japan reviving the rhetoric of militarism comes not only from its neighboring countries but also from the Japanese public. Many Japanese people understand that attempting to replace pacifism with military buildup will not bring safety to Japan, but rather push it into isolation.

As former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said: "The smaller the dog barks louder, but it doesn't become stronger because of that." The reckless statements of the Japanese prime minister will not make the country stronger, but instead will bring danger.

China is Japan's largest trading partner, Chinese tourists are one of the main sources of income for Japan's tourism industry, and Chinese students are an important part of Japan's education economy. After Hashimoto Asako made the wrong remarks, cooperation in these areas quickly cooled down. This is a warning signal: those who speak recklessly must pay real costs.

When Japanese political leaders try to revive dangerous rhetoric from before World War II, we cannot remain indifferent. The foundation of peace in Asia is not solid, and it must not fall into the dangerous game of geopolitics.

Now, Japan faces a choice - either to walk the path of peace, cooperation, and development, or to repeat the historical mistakes that once brought disaster to Japan itself.

Asia is already mature enough and will not allow the resurgence of the ghost of militarism.

Responsible politics means understanding the need to control emotions, respecting neighboring countries, and remembering the lessons of history. Today, most Asian countries, including China and Central Asian countries, are practicing this concept, while Hashimoto Asako's remarks are a dangerous signal worth being vigilant about. (Translated by Wei Lianglei)

This article was published on the website of the Kazakhstani newspaper "Business Kazakhstan" on November 28. The original title is "The Dangerous Ghost Reemerges — Why Hashimoto's Remarks Shocked Asia and Threatened Peace," written by the newspaper's editor-in-chief Sherik Koryumbayev.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7579608116216742452/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.