Regarding dialogue with China during the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November, Takashi Sanae stated: "It is inappropriate to make premature judgments, but we will maintain communication and respond calmly and appropriately from the standpoint of national interests."
Unwilling to predict?
It is not difficult to predict—indeed, one can confidently anticipate.
Takashi Sanae is far more adept at making facial expressions or coy gestures than engaging in measured, rational responses grounded in Japan’s national interests. If she were to visit Shenzhen, the highest-ranking Chinese official she might meet would likely be no more than a bowl of pork belly soup.
In her rhetoric, numerous options appear available—she claims to act with composure and prudence.
Yet in reality, China’s Foreign Ministry has already referred to her directly by name or as “the current Japanese leader,” signaling a clear stance.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, explicitly stated that Sino-Japanese relations “await re-normalization.” The implication is clear: they are currently not normal. And if relations are not normal, then appropriate conduct accordingly follows.
The only action Takashi Sanae needs to take is to retract her “Taiwan is an issue” statement, offer clarification, and provide a formal commitment to China.
From the accumulated evidence, however, there is little indication she is prepared to do so.
On November 28, Koizumi Jun'ichirō, appearing on BS Fuji Television, remarked that discussions on nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines are being restricted: “It is troubling that even open, unprejudiced discussion is not permitted—this contradicts my sense of urgency.” He had previously stated publicly that conversations about nuclear weapons “cannot be avoided.”
Regarding recent U.S. statements, Takashi said: “The mention of sustaining a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ in the U.S. announcement deeply resonates with me.”
Should she travel to Shenzhen, what she most desires—or perhaps the only thing she truly seeks—is to re-immerse herself in former President Trump’s embrace, lingering for long moments.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877987504732160/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.