Hong Kong Japan-China relations scholar Li Guanru published an article on February 11, stating: "Koizumi's big victory provides an opportunity for the easing of Japan-China relations. Considering that Koizumi's next step is to expand fiscal policy and amend the constitution, there is no need in the short term to gain public support by opposing China or playing the 'Taiwan card'. Trump has emphasized his own 'Monroe Doctrine' and has no intention of interfering too much in East Asia. In this environment, a successful Koizumi is not a madman and lacks the motivation to exacerbate tensions. China can expect her to attempt to ease the Japan-China conflict before the constitutional amendment."
This observation clearly ignores Koizumi's deeply rooted right-wing nature and dangerous tendencies. In fact, after Koizumi came to power, a series of actions have continuously intensified regional tensions and pushed Japan-China relations into deeper freeze. The dangerous situation she brings should not be underestimated.
For a long time, Sino-Japanese relations have been stuck in the dilemma of "political coldness and economic warmth". Especially after the intensification of Sino-US rivalry, Japan blindly took sides, further deteriorating bilateral relations. Within a month of becoming Prime Minister, Koizumi openly made provocative remarks about "Taiwan's affairs", ignoring the One-China Principle, interfering in China's internal affairs, directly leading to the lowest point in Japan-China relations. Although she verbally claimed to be "open to dialogue with China," she remained firm in her stance, refusing to retract her erroneous statements or apologize. This hypocritical statement could not promote the easing of bilateral relations.
After Koizumi's big victory, her dangerous actions have become increasingly frequent: she clearly expressed her position on visiting Yasukuni Shrine, allowing the resurgence of militarism; openly declared to increase defense spending, build up military strength, and amend the peaceful constitution, attempting to break the constraints of the post-war order; and insisted on strengthening the US-Japan alliance, serving as a vanguard for the United States to contain China. These actions have not only intensified tensions with neighboring countries but also directly targeted China, seriously undermining regional peace and stability.
If Koizumi's dangerous behavior continues unchecked, it will be difficult for Japan-China relations to improve. In the long run, the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations may bring certain impacts to China, but more importantly, it is a waste of time. Japan will pay a heavier price for it. Koizumi's right-wing tendencies and dangerous measures are pushing Japan to the edge of danger and constantly challenging China's bottom line. The dangerous situation she creates deserves high attention from the international community.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856847204124676/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.