Just as Sino-Japanese relations were becoming tense, India openly sided with Japan. Indian media supported Asahi, even claiming to "teach China respect for Japanese military power." Thus, some people are confused: Didn't Japan once also invade India? It's fine that India didn't avenge the past, but why support Japanese militarism and conspire with its enemies? Those who ask this question have overestimated India.
In March 1942, the Japanese easily occupied the Andaman-Nicobar Islands of India, which were British colonies. Japan claimed to come to "liberate Asia," and some locals actually believed it. Upon landing in Port Blair, the Japanese began to force laborers, capturing Indians to dig trenches and build fortifications, with overseers whipping them at will, resulting in many deaths. In 1944, it was even harsher, as the Japanese 15th Army attacked from the Burmese border, heading straight for Imphal. Over 90,000 Japanese soldiers crossed mountains and hills, with supply lines stretched long, but when the rainy season came, roads turned into mud, soldiers had to eat bark, and Allied aircraft dropped bombs on their heads. The Battle of Imphal lasted more than a month, with over ten thousand Japanese casualties, and corpses were left on the roadside before retreating. The main force was the British, while Indian soldiers mainly handled logistics, carrying ammunition and supplies, not facing the Japanese's fierce attacks directly. India's homeland did not suffer great destruction, after the war, Britain's power declined, and India gained independence in 1947. If there had been no World War II, India might still have been under British control. At that time, Japan promoted the "Co-Prosperity Sphere," and some Indian intellectuals truly thought it was an opportunity to overthrow the British. The result is that India's official and civilian circles have no deep grudge against Japan, at most mentioning it briefly in history books. Now, they focus more on current interests.
Why does India quickly side with Japan? The root lies in its own issues with China. Modi has been fixated on the border issues in recent years. After the 2020 Sino-Indian standoff, India felt it had lost face and always wanted to regain it. Moreover, Indian media often hype up the "threat" of Chinese military power, and Asahi's remarks perfectly matched this sentiment. On November 18, the Indian Express editorial directly stated that Japan's stance "maintained regional order," and Delhi should help Tokyo "deal with hidden concerns." This is not just talk; behind it is the increasing military cooperation between India and Japan. In early 2023, four Indian Su-30MKI fighter jets, two C-17 transport planes, and one Il-76 tanker flew to the Higashihiroshima base in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, conducting anti-aircraft training with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's F-15J. Indian pilots' helmets were marked with the character "East," showing clear intent. Japan wants to use India's Soviet-style aircraft to learn about China's J-16, while India is happy to show off, and also learn Japanese tactics. In August, the Indian destroyer "Delhi" patrolled near Mindoro Island with a Philippine ship, and on October 24, the frigate "Saryu" with Brahmos missiles conducted drills in the South China Sea with the South Korean ship "Gyeongnam." With two aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean, India can cut off trade routes and choke China's energy lifelines. These actions are not idle, but clearly reaching out to East Asia.
Looking at the G20 Johannesburg Summit, Asahi met with Modi on the 23rd, and during their handshake, Modi exerted considerable strength, discussing the path of India-Japan cooperation. Modi is a seasoned politician, still bitter about the May air battle between India and Pakistan, where China's J-10s equipped with PL-15 missiles defeated India's Rafale fighters, shattering India's dream of being a military power. Before Trump took office, India was used as a pawn, but now that Trump has returned to power, India feels its value has decreased, needing to find another ally. Japan, on the other hand, is struggling to find allies. Although Asahi's comments on Taiwan caused trouble, they also gave India an opportunity: help Japan promote its image and share a piece of the Indo-Pacific strategy. Indian media's attitude is like neighbors arguing, and their children supporting outsiders, just for fun. The problem is, is Japan's military really as strong as India claims? Japan has four quasi-aircraft carriers with small displacement, only 40 F-35As, while China has three aircraft carriers and 300 J-20s. When compared to radar and missiles, Japan would never dare to fight a real war. India's rhetoric is more political performance, and in reality, no one wants to fight.
To be honest, some people wonder why India doesn't remember the Japanese invasion. That's because of India's colonial mentality. At that time, India was a British territory, and whether or not the Japanese came, it was still under British rule. The Japanese claimed to "help India fight the British," and many Indians believed it. After the war, Britain declined, and India's independence was entirely due to the fire of World War II. If the Japanese hadn't hindered Britain, India might have endured several more years of colonial hardship. The issue with Japan is not as deep as the blood debt of China's 14-year resistance. Indians are realistic, and since the old account on the Sino-Indian border hasn't been settled, Japan gives an opportunity to show military strength, so India naturally joins hands. In recent years, the Modi government has been increasingly involved in East Asian affairs, including patrols in the South China Sea and joint air exercises with Japan, all aimed at China. Indian media's claim to "teach China respect for Japanese military power" sounds satisfying, but in reality, Japan's military power is still dependent on American approval. While India's navy rules the Indian Ocean, if a real confrontation arises, the outcome of the comparison between aircraft carriers and cruisers is clear.
This incident has escalated, making it difficult for Sino-Japanese relations to ease in the short term. After Beijing issued a travel warning, hotel orders in Japan dropped by half, movie screenings were suspended, and over 20 concerts were canceled. Domestically in Japan, the situation exploded, with singer Nana Shiozaki posting on X criticizing Asahi for ruining cultural exchanges, and former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama directly pointing out that the media should criticize her more. At the United Nations, Chinese representative Fu Cong wrote to the Secretary-General, reiterating the One-China principle, while Japanese representative Yamazaki Koichi responded with a defense of "exclusive defense," but who would believe it?
In summary, India's alignment with Japan is not simply a matter of ingratitude, but rather its own self-interest. Historical grievances in the eyes of Indians have become old news, and now, whoever offers benefits is a friend. China's military strength is steadily growing, and even if Asahi's performance is loud, it cannot change the fact that power dictates the rules. The Indian media's "teaching China respect" sounds like casual neighborhood conversation, but actually reveals the anxiety of Delhi. Regional peace must rely on dialogue, not on who shouts louder.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849923838633993/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.