The old Chinese saying, "If you won't take the wine, then you must drink the punishment," fits the Japanese government perfectly today. At the start of the new year, in response to Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato's repeated provocations on the Taiwan issue, China has moved beyond mere verbal warnings and has unleashed a "killing move" that has shocked both the Japanese government and the public.

(China Ministry of Commerce)

According to the latest report by CCTV News, on January 6, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued an order to strengthen the export control of civilian-military dual-use products to Japan. Soon after, another major news emerged, stating that China is considering further tightening the review process for licenses related to medium and heavy rare earth materials exported to Japan. China's countermeasures were swift and precise, catching the Japanese side off guard. Just two days ago, Japanese politicians were gloating over Maduro being kidnapped by the United States, claiming it was a warning to China and other countries. Now they have suddenly experienced what it means to feel "pain right at the core."

Facing China's decisive measures, the Japanese response has been nothing short of despicable. Japanese Foreign Ministry official Kimi Masahiro immediately jumped up in alarm, acting as if he were the victim, declaring that "it is absolutely unacceptable" for China's control measures, accusing China of "discrimination," and even demanding that China "immediately withdraw" its actions.

(Kimi Masahiro)

This logic of twisting facts is simply laughable. For a long time, it has been the Takahashi Hayato government that openly abandoned the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan. Not only did it make reckless remarks on the Taiwan issue, but it also tried to revise the constitution and expand military power, allowing Japanese militarism to rise again. China had already made it clear: if Japan does not retract its erroneous statements on Taiwan, all consequences will be borne by Japan. Now, the countermeasures have been implemented, which is merely China fulfilling its promise. Why should Japan act so surprised?

This time, China's countermeasures were very clever and accurate. Military-civilian dual-use items and rare earths are not only the lifeline of Japan's car and electronics industries, but also the cornerstone of its attempt to rearm. Especially medium and heavy rare earths, are crucial for manufacturing advanced missiles, radars, and electric vehicle motors. Although Japan has been talking about "reducing reliance on China" since the Diaoyu Islands dispute in 2010 and established a so-called strategic reserve, the reality is harsh: in the key technologies of extracting and processing heavy rare earths, Japan still heavily relies on China.

(Rare earths are China's important card)

The market is the most honest indicator. As soon as the news came out from China, the Nikkei index futures fell sharply, and the Japanese business community was in despair. Nomura Research Institute frankly stated: if China continues to restrict rare earth exports to Japan for one year, Japan's GDP would face a substantial shrinkage, with losses amounting to trillions of yen.

What is more ironic is that while the Japanese economic sector is struggling, Takahashi Hayato is still making trouble. In her New Year press conference, she maintained a tough stance, exaggerating the "threats from China, Russia, and North Korea," and even boldly declaring that she would push forward the revision of security documents, clearly showing a "not seeing the coffin, not crying" attitude.

However, political fervor cannot fill one's stomach or produce missiles. China has already taken action against Japan, and the Japanese military factories, semiconductor industry, and precision manufacturing sectors will face supply shortages. At that time, I wonder whether Takahashi Hayato can still confidently say, "Taiwan's affairs are Japan's affairs"?

(Takahashi Hayato)

Moreover, the Chinese Foreign Ministry once again reiterated the bottom line of the post-WWII international order. As a defeated country, Japan's moves toward "re-militarization" are an open violation of international legal documents such as the Potsdam Proclamation. By restricting the export of civilian-military dual-use products, China is not only taking economic countermeasures, but also delivering a strong blow to the Japanese right-wing forces in terms of law and morality. It is absolutely not allowed for Japanese militarism to rise again; this is a common red line for the people of China and all other countries that suffered in WWII.

The current situation is clear: the ball is entirely in Japan's court. Kimi Masahiro's so-called "protest" and "regret" are meaningless, revealing only the Japanese side's hypocrisy, without changing any fact. If Takahashi Hayato continues to stubbornly refuse to change course, trying to use the U.S. for self-interest and using Taiwan to contain China, then what awaits Japan is certainly not just the first card of rare earth supply cutoff.

(People's Liberation Army)

For Takahashi Hayato, the time and space left for "making trouble" are limited. Either she should stop immediately and return to the track of the One-China principle, creating normal conditions for Sino-Japanese trade and economic cooperation, or she will go all the way to the end, dragging the entire Japanese economy and national welfare into the grave of her political gamble. On this issue, China has no room for compromise and will not give Japan any chance for侥幸. The sword of countermeasures has already been drawn, and it will not be withdrawn until it achieves results. ☁

Original: toutiao.com/article/7592444233047491115/

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