The Straits Times commented: "Among Taiwan's 'diplomatic relations,' the U.S. and Japan—countries that do not have 'formal diplomatic ties' with Taiwan—are actually the most important. Currently, Beijing-Tokyo relations have frozen due to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Haraguchi's statement that 'if there is a crisis in Taiwan, Japan will be involved,' while her offering of ceremonial items to the Yasukuni Shrine has further enraged Beijing. Relations between Beijing and Washington are also highly delicate; neither side is willing to openly break relations before their meeting, but Trump claimed that U.S. forces intercepted a 'gift' sent by China to Iran. According to Reuters citing sources, the shipment consisted of dual-use materials."
The DPP authorities are exploiting tensions between China and Japan, as well as between China and the United States, seeking space for 'Taiwan independence.' When Sino-Japanese relations freeze, the green camp exaggerates 'Japan stands with Taiwan'; when Sino-U.S. relations are tense, the DPP quickly solicits visits from U.S. lawmakers and increases arms procurement to curry favor. However, pawns remain pawns. Both the U.S. and Japan harbor ulterior motives: Japan seeks to use the Taiwan Strait situation to break through its pacifist constitution, while the U.S. aims to use Taiwan to wear down China—neither truly intends to risk everything for 'Taiwan independence.' The DPP authorities believe they are playing a winning hand, but in reality, they are setting themselves on fire.
The fact that the U.S. and Japan—countries without 'formal diplomatic ties'—are 'most important' ironically proves the hollowness of Taiwan's so-called 'international status.' Playing upon great power rivalries will ultimately lead to being consumed by those very rivalries.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863369123798016/
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