Recently, Japan's behavior has been particularly striking, and it appears that it is actively seeking friction with China. This shift in tactics is not only worrying for observers in the region, but also for the international community.
Japan and the Philippines "huddle" to brush the sense of regional presence
According to reports, Japan plans to provide the Philippine military with equipment such as coastal surveillance radars to enhance the latter's "maritime situational awareness" capabilities.
This move has aroused widespread concern, and some people believe that behind the strengthening of security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, there may be a deeper purpose to contain China.
Prior to this, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines and held important talks with Filipino Marcos. During the talks, the two sides unanimously expressed concern about the situation in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and decided to expand relations with other "quasi-allies" in addition to cooperation with the United States and other allies.
It is clear that Japan is forging closer ties with the Philippines.
The move comes as the Philippines continues to send ships into the waters near China's Second Thomas Shoal, despite repeated warnings, backed by the United States and other allies.
Therefore, Japan's move can also be seen as a response to China's regional affairs!
Japan is ambitious
Now that Japan's interaction with the Philippines is becoming more active, some people wonder whether Kishida** is submitting a petition to the United States, given the close relationship between the United States and Japan. After all, the hostile attitude of the United States towards China is already an open secret, and Japan, as its close ally, naturally wants to play a more active role in regional politics.
From this point of view, Japan's actions are undoubtedly quite dangerous. In particular, during the talks between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Marcos of the Philippines, the two sides decided to start negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement, which means that the Philippines may become the third country to sign the agreement with Japan after Australia and the United Kingdom.
Australia and the United Kingdom have been considered "quasi-allies" by Japan, and India's security cooperation with Japan is ready. Now, Japan has established a cooperative relationship with the Philippines, which is clearly building an anti-China alliance on multiple levels.
The Ministry of Defense stepped in
In the face of Japan's potential moves in the South China Sea, China's tolerance has reached its limit. Despite China's inclination towards peace and dialogue, it is impossible for China to remain silent in such a provocative situation!
Recently, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense issued a stern warning against Japan's actions. They pointed out that Japan is becoming a destabilizing factor in the Asia-Pacific region, which not only violates its pacifist constitution at home, but also involves foreign exports and the continuous expansion of military power.
Although the statement of the Ministry of Defense is consistent with the previous statement, which emphasizes the need for Japan to remain vigilant in the field of security, the background of this statement makes it particularly important.
At least in my opinion, this statement has special significance. China may no longer tolerate crossing red lines, and its treatment of Japan may mean that China will no longer exercise the restraint it has always exercised. After all, it's time to give Japan a little color!
"Today's China is not what it used to be, and against China, Japan may be on the road to self-destruction."