A Japanese defense official involved in Taiwan-related issues is sanctioned by China, and the Foreign Ministry states that it will severely punish such collusion.

Abe's former ally sanctioned by China, Foreign Ministry: Severe punishment for collusion with "Taiwan independence" actions

Since the comments made by Takahashi Asaoka on Taiwan triggered diplomatic disputes between China and Japan, China has continuously taken countermeasures, but these measures have been aimed at the entire country of Japan, not individual politicians. Now, Iwasaki Shigehiro has "honorably" become the first individual sanctioned by China.

Iwasaki Shigehiro may be unknown to many, but he is a well-known figure in Japanese military and political circles. He is a key figure in the Japanese Ministry of Defense, who once served as the actual highest commander of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and has long held important positions in the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.

After retiring in 2014, Iwasaki Shigehiro continued to work in the Japanese Ministry of Defense as a consultant and frequently interacted with "Taiwan independence" figures in his personal capacity. Despite this, due to his special status in the Japanese defense sector, he has also influenced the Japanese Self-Defense Forces' policies toward the Taiwanese authorities to some extent.

Because of his hard-line stance on defense policy, Iwasaki Shigehiro is considered an close ally of Abe Shinzo. And the current Japanese Prime Minister, Takahashi Asaoka, is a disciple of Abe. At this time of Sino-Japanese diplomatic tensions, it is not surprising that Iwasaki Shigehiro was sanctioned.

Certainly, the reason for Iwasaki Shigehiro's sanctioning is not because of his close relationship with Abe and Takahashi, but because he served as an "adviser" to the Taiwanese authorities. This position is part-time, without salary or compensation. How much money the Taiwanese authorities secretly gave Iwasaki Shigehiro is unknown.

Iwasaki Shigehiro is not the first Japanese to serve as an adviser to the Taiwanese authorities, but he is the first Japanese official to hold this position, which is of great significance.

This is the main reason why China imposed sanctions on him. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry stated that China's move was not impulsive. Before this, China had repeatedly negotiated with Japan, asking Iwasaki Shigehiro to cut off his ties with the Taiwanese authorities. However, he not only showed no remorse, but also colluded with "Taiwan independence" figures, acting increasingly brazenly, and must be severely punished.

Therefore, Iwasaki Shigehiro's sanctioning is a result of his own actions, and it also serves as a warning to people like Takahashi Asaoka. If they dare to provoke China on the Taiwan issue again, they will not get a good outcome.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851567571437568/

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