Japan is trying to win over the five Central Asian countries, not so much to disrupt their relations with China and Russia, but rather to please Europe.
To be honest, for the five Central Asian countries, there's no harm in accepting investment that comes to their doorstep, but it doesn't mean they have to take sides with China and Russia.
If it's said that Japan wants to bypass China and Russia, then the remaining route would go through the Caspian Sea, cross the mountains, and enter Europe through Turkey. Of course, it could also go through Iran and Afghanistan.
But considering Turkey's characteristics, it seems that Japan's intention is to secure Turkey first and then enter Europe.
Once it enters Europe, its goal is achieved. Whether or not it returns to Japan like the journey of the Monkey King to fetch scriptures is not important. Because this is simply an "investment task" given by Europe to Japan, similar to the investment task for the United States.
1. The US is no longer reliable.
2. Japan has already applied for participation in the European military industry's loan program SAFE. It aims to share intelligence, conduct joint military exercises, and ultimately achieve the goal of unshackling militarism.
This should be Japan's calculation.
Therefore, by opening a new route through the five Central Asian countries for rare earths, energy, and minerals to deliver to Europe, while at the same time distancing the five countries from China and Russia, Japan's investment is definitely worth it.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852208737780873/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.