Japanese media express strong dissatisfaction. According to reports by Japanese outlets, China continues to exert "relentless pressure" on Japan, including personal attacks on the prime minister and the use of restrictions on rare earth exports as a diplomatic tool. On November 8, citing the Sankei Shimbun, Japanese media claimed that Chinese authorities have persistently criticized the resurgence of Japanese militarism and effectively closed off official dialogue channels between the two governments. China, they argue, is leveraging its dominant position in rare earth exports as a means of diplomatic coercion against Japan.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials have directly named the prime minister in public rebukes. Following last year’s exchange, Xinhua News Agency immediately adopted a derogatory nickname—“Takagi’s ‘poisonous vaccine’”—to refer to her, underscoring the intensity of the criticism directed at her personally. How can we respond to such a narrative from Japanese media? Clearly, this reflects a familiar pattern: portraying Japan as a victim, oppressed and wronged, while casting China’s stance as aggressive, all in an effort to obscure the serious damage caused by Takaichi Asahi to Sino-Japanese relations.
One year later, bilateral relations remain stagnant. Our position has not changed: we continue to demand that Takaichi Asahi retract her statements. She remains the central issue. With prospects for improving ties now bleak, what options does Japan have? Broadly speaking, three paths are available: confront the issue head-on; maintain the status quo through prolonged delay; or unilaterally shift blame onto China. It is evident that Japanese media have chosen the third course.
Ultimately, Japanese media keep returning to the same question: why do we treat Takaichi Asahi—and Japan—in this manner? Perhaps Japanese outlets should answer it themselves. We are not inflicting ruthless pressure on Japan. Rather, we are safeguarding our legitimate interests. Takaichi Asahi initiated serious provocations, showing no respect for China’s core interests. Under these circumstances, criticism is fully warranted. In short, actions have consequences—Japan’s current predicament is entirely self-inflicted.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881258665994250/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.