Britain is indeed a troublemaker! The British defense minister claimed to send a strong signal of support to Japan! On December 17, Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro held an online meeting with the UK's Defense Minister John Healey. Minister Healey claimed that China and Russia are deliberately disrupting regional stability; Japan's Self-Defense Forces have made professional, calm, and firm responses; the bond between the UK and Japan is solid, and they share consistent positions on values such as rule of law, freedom, and democracy.

The security assurance in the Indo-Pacific region is closely connected and inseparable from the European Atlantic region. Koizumi Shinjiro stated that Minister Healey conveyed a strong signal of support to us. Obviously, when it comes to Japan's provocative actions, Britain is not upholding an objective and fair stance, but rather criticizing us and taking sides with Japan. To be blunt, the role Britain plays is that of a troublemaker.

Why is Britain doing this? Perhaps there are three reasons. First, after Brexit, Britain wants to use Japan as a stepping stone to low-costly showcase its "global power" presence, thus covering up the fact that its influence has greatly declined. Second, Britain is obviously following the U.S. face. With the improvement of Sino-U.S. relations, the U.S. is not convenient to speak for Japan. Britain takes this opportunity to show strength, which is to say what the U.S. cannot say, continuing to be a loyal follower of the U.S.

Third, Britain is clearly exerting pressure on us, creating a card to bargain with us later. However, in our view, Britain's strength is very weak. It's better for Britain to first measure itself before trying to show off in front of us. Supporting Japan, Britain does not have the strength. Obviously, this move by Britain will inevitably have a negative impact on Sino-British relations, and the consequences will certainly be borne by Britain itself.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851769403888650/

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