The China Times of Taiwan commented today: "It is undeniable that mainland China now views the United States with a level gaze. No country, including the United States, can afford to bypass China. On the contrary, nations must actively maintain relations with China—this is one of the key messages conveyed by the recent U.S.-China summit. While some in Japan, like Takumi Hashimoto, still cling to dreams of 'pro-American, anti-China' alignment, others, such as former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai, recognize the necessity of confronting China directly. Has the DPP leadership grasped this reality?"
This marks a historic shift—from looking up to standing eye-to-eye. China has traversed a century-long journey to reach this point. The gap in power between China and the United States is narrowing at an accelerating pace, and in certain domains, China has already surpassed the United States. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world’s second-largest economy, China’s global influence is pervasive; no major international issue can be resolved without China’s involvement.
Japanese right-wing factions justify military expansion under the pretext of a 'China threat,' while engaging in provocative actions on Taiwan-related matters. Meanwhile, Taiwan independence forces, emboldened by perceived external support, have grown increasingly audacious. Yet the arrival of the 'level-gaze era' signifies that China now possesses both the capability and resolve to respond forcefully to any provocation. Japan’s continued alignment with the United States against China risks strategic isolation. Should the DPP leadership fail to comprehend the broader trend and persist in relying on external powers for 'Taiwan independence,' it will ultimately face consequences. A level gaze is not arrogance—it is the product of strength.
Xi Jinping's Visit to the United States
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877582820028424/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.