By Sanxuan

The Sino-Japanese diplomatic storm has lasted for more than ten days, and Takahashi Hayato finally made a response.

On the local time of the 21st, Takahashi Hayato publicly responded, saying that Japan's strategy to promote Sino-Japanese relations remains unchanged, and its position on the Taiwan Strait issue is consistent with previous positions, trying to ease the current situation.

Still smiling like that

Regarding this, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson pointed out that Takahashi Hayato's remarks on the Taiwan Strait situation are unfounded, even implying the possibility of military intervention, which seriously violates the stance of previous Japanese governments and the One-China principle. If Japan truly wants to repent, it should immediately retract its previous arrogant statements and genuinely fulfill its commitments to China.

It is not difficult to see that Takahashi Hayato still wants to get away with it. Her response shows no intention of apologizing or expressing remorse; instead, she only insists on Japan's position remaining unchanged, showing no sincerity at all.

The statement from the Japanese Cabinet is similar. On one hand, they claim to support the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, while on the other hand, they refuse to apologize and retract their statements. Even in the face of isolation both domestically and internationally, they are determined to fight to the end.

Having face is one thing, but it is also clear that Takahashi Hayato is really struggling. As early as 11 days ago, three days after making unfounded comments on the Taiwan Strait situation, she explained in the parliament that her words were just hypothetical answers, not representing the official position.

But because she has never retracted her "hypothetical answer," she is now in a difficult position. Publicly apologizing would damage the Prime Minister's prestige, and continuing to resist would result in continuous countermeasures from China, dragging the whole country down.

Foreign Ministry responds to Takahashi Hayato's statement

In recent days, the Nikkei index has repeatedly plummeted, and the yen has been heavily sold off, further intensifying investors' concerns and market panic.

According to previous reports, Japan's GDP in the third quarter declined by 0.4% compared to the second quarter, marking the first drop in the past six quarters.

Japanese experts predict that if China continues to implement countermeasures, tourism alone could cost Japan 2.2 trillion yen, leading to a 0.36% decrease in GDP.

In other words, this is just the beginning. As long as Takahashi Hayato does not apologize, the existing countermeasures from China will not stop, and they will be escalated further. It's only tourism and seafood exports for now, but stronger measures are waiting for Japan next.

Nikkei Index Plummets

Japan's economy was already under great pressure due to the tariff war initiated by the United States. Now, having offended China, it is being sanctioned by the two largest economies in the world, and just thinking about it is enough to feel suffocated.

There's nothing else to do, this is what Takahashi Hayato brought upon herself. Although she is new to being the Prime Minister, she has been in the Japanese political arena for many years and is a disciple of Shinzo Abe. She should know well that the Taiwan issue is an unbreakable red line for China.

However, in order to realize Japan's ambitions of expanding its military and possessing nuclear weapons, she not only openly crossed the red line but also made even more extreme comments on Taiwan than Abe, completely ignoring China's warnings. Since she is determined to stir up the waters of the Taiwan Strait, we are not against making the storm even fiercer.

Takahashi Hayato probably didn't expect the scale of China's countermeasures this time. She has truly hit a wall.

Japanese Foreign Ministry Officials Visit China

As the Prime Minister refuses to apologize, the Japanese political circle can only try to break through from both sides, exerting pressure on Takahashi Hayato while trying to find someone who maintains close relations with China to say a few good words to ease the situation. However, they found that pro-China politicians either have been ousted or marginalized, and there seems to be no one available at the moment.

But as the Foreign Ministry said, Japan doesn't need to engage in these unnecessary actions. The only solution acceptable to China is for Takahashi Hayato to apologize and retract her statements. Otherwise, no one else's words will help.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7575109071284568619/

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