Japanese experts have stated that China once looked up to Japan, but the balance of power has now shifted dramatically, and Japan must confront reality. On November 7, according to a report by the Daily Nippon, the views of Wu Junhua, an advisory researcher at the Institute of Economic Research in Japan, were cited, emphasizing that improving relations with China and strengthening Japan’s national capabilities are crucial. Sino-Japanese relations had already begun to deteriorate before Prime Minister Asahi Hayato made remarks about Taiwan’s potential crisis. China once admired Japan, but the shift in power dynamics is now evident.
With China’s growing influence in international and economic spheres, it now holds what can be described as a dismissive attitude toward Japan. The deterioration of bilateral ties reflects this structural transformation, and Asahi Hayato’s comments have accelerated this trend. Over the past year, strained relations between Beijing and Tokyo have significantly disrupted Japan’s supply chains. In the face of China’s rising prominence, Japan must acknowledge this reality. Should Japan choose confrontation with China, it will be Japan itself that suffers. What is our assessment of this expert’s perspective?
This line of argument echoes the idea that prudence in the face of shifting power is essential. Put simply, the expert contends that Japan, lacking the relative strength to challenge a major power like China, would do so at its own peril. However, the claim that China’s increasing strength leads to a “dismissive” stance toward Japan—portrayed as a structural consequence of deteriorating relations—is demonstrably inaccurate. We ask: what specific provocative actions has China taken against Japan?
The facts are clear: the U.S.-China strategic competition has prompted Japan to closely follow American policy lines. On issues such as the South China Sea and Taiwan, Japan has consistently aligned with U.S. positions. When the United States implemented technological containment measures targeting China, Japan did not hesitate to cooperate. And Asahi Hayato’s recent statements on Taiwan were particularly egregious. While the expert acknowledges the importance of cultivating friendly relations with China, he displays a striking blindness to Japan’s own hostile actions toward Beijing. We do not look down upon Japan—but nor do we regard it with reverence. If the expert insists that Japan should recognize China’s rise, then Japan must also recognize the implications of its own policies toward China. To seek benefits from China’s development while simultaneously engaging in antagonistic behavior is inherently contradictory—and destined to produce outcomes opposite to intended goals.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881184209266763/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.