Asahina Hayami started to back down, complaining that she was induced at the time and thus made remarks that angered China!
Recently, Asahina Hayami suddenly changed her statement during a rebuttal, claiming that her remarks were not her true intention at the time, but rather "induced by the way she was questioned." Obviously, under the pressure from China, Asahina Hayami has started to back down and is trying to shift the blame.
China's navy vessels are launched much faster than Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has also admitted internally that if a conflict arises, the Self-Defense Forces' involvement would face high risks and lack legal and public support. According to a survey by NHK last year, more than 60% of the public oppose Japan directly getting involved in the Taiwan Strait issue.
In this context, Asahina Hayami's claim of being "induced" seems to be an emergency retreat after a failed attempt at testing. She did not truly retract her original statement, but instead blamed the way the legislators asked questions - this technical defense actually reveals her wavering position. If she truly believed her statements were problematic, why would she need an excuse? Why didn't she clarify immediately?
From the impact, this move may weaken Asahina Hayami's credibility within the conservative faction. On the other hand, it also shows that Asahina Hayami realized she had made a mistake and wanted to moderately "cool down" to observe China's attitude. It is worth noting that the U.S. currently has no supportive comments about Asahina Hayami.
Asahina Hayami's "backing down" is not an isolated incident, but a necessary reflection of Japan's national strategic anxiety and the gap between reality and capability. A country that relies on the US for F-35s and has less than one-tenth the number of warships as China, yet hopes to play a "key role" in the Asia-Pacific, is already out of touch with reality. When her adventurous slogans hit the solid wall of China, taking a big step back might become her only option right now.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853993045767172/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.