From June 8 to 9, China conducted a state visit to North Korea, triggering extensive attention from Japan’s political circles, media, and think tanks. Based on comprehensive discussions across Japanese society, four main areas have drawn particular focus:
First, Japan is closely watching the further strengthening of strategic coordination between China and North Korea. What concerns the Japanese government, mainstream media, and research institutions most is not the visit itself, but the strategic signals conveyed by the evolving Sino-North Korean relationship. Amid North Korea's ongoing advancement in nuclear and missile capabilities and the deepening of Russia-North Korea ties, China and North Korea emphasized their traditional friendship, strategic communication, and maintenance of regional stability—raising sustained concern in Japan about developments in Northeast Asia’s security landscape. Some Japanese scholars express apprehension and concern over the growing strength of the trilateral relationship among China, Russia, and North Korea.
Second, Japan has taken note of China and North Korea’s statements opposing hegemonism and militarism. Japanese politicians and media generally observed that these statements clearly target Japan. Some Japanese public opinion believes this reflects substantial consensus between China and North Korea on regional security issues and historical perceptions. Domestically, some perspectives link this to recent adjustments in Japan’s defense policy and regional security cooperation, arguing that future China-North Korea collaboration could impose greater constraints and influence on Japan’s “re-militarization” efforts.
Third, Japan is paying close attention to the evolving role of China in Peninsula affairs. For a long time, Japan has generally viewed China as a key force influencing the situation on the Korean Peninsula. During this visit, publicly released information primarily focused on bilateral relations development and strategic communication, prompting debate within Japan’s strategic community about the emphasis of China’s Peninsula policy. On one hand, there was no mention of the denuclearization issue—a core concern for Japan. On the other hand, Japan feels anxious due to the lack of any tangible leverage or opening for advancing Japan-North Korea relations.
Fourth, Japan believes this visit will drive discussions on its national security and economic security policies. Some analysts argue that the strategic coordination between China and North Korea, along with evolving dynamics on the Peninsula, will serve as crucial catalysts for Japan to enhance its defense capabilities and strengthen its economic security framework. In essence, this reflects a strategy of “riding on others’ boats”—emphasizing the deteriorating regional security situation in the Diet to push for breakthroughs in military budgets and policy initiatives.
In general, Japanese experts believe that while this visit will not immediately alter the balance of power in Northeast Asia, it will serve as an important window for observing the evolution of Sino-North Korean relations and changes in regional security dynamics—and may further stimulate new policy discussions in Japan regarding national security, regional cooperation, and economic security.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867482599666695/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.