Japan’s ‘sense of insecurity’ is of its own making

It has been noticed by the media that Nancy Pelosi did not mention “Taiwan” even once when she made public appearances in South Korea. According to reports, when she met with the speaker of the National Assembly of South Korea, and when she spoke with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the phone, neither side talked about her visit to Taiwan island. However, when Pelosi arrived in Japan, she immediately changed her face and became much more high-profile. She said at a press conference that her trip to Asia was not meant to change the status quo in the region, but the US “will not allow” the Chinese mainland to “isolate Taiwan.”

The reason for this contrast is largely because Pelosi believes she has found an audience, or “confidant,” in Japan. In fact, it is the case. But it must be said that being a “confidant” of the Washington politician – a political pestilence with no bottom line – will only bring shame and disaster to Japan.

The Japanese side has shown closeness to Pelosi, which seems deliberate and abrupt. More importantly, it shows that the Japanese government cannot tell black from white on the Taiwan question and is extremely irresponsible. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had a breakfast meeting with Pelosi on Friday. In a speech to the media, Kishida pointed a finger at China, condemning China’s missile drills as a “serious problem that impacts our national security and the safety of our citizens.” He also said that Japan and the US will “jointly work to ensure peace and stability” in the Taiwan Straits. Such statement is a huge irony.

If Japan is concerned about the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits because of its proximity, it seemingly makes sense. But this being the case, shouldn’t Japan firmly oppose and prevent Pelosi from visiting Taiwan? But when the situation of the Taiwan Straits was stirred up by the news of Pelosi’s visit, the Japanese official said that Japan “is not in a position to comment.” When Pelosi caused substantial damage to the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits, Japan and the perpetrators together blamed the victim. What is the point of this? Is such a response tailor-made for China?

In fact, Japan is the least qualified to make irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question. It bears historical liability for Taiwan. Japan not only had long-term colonial rule over the Taiwan island, but it also has not thoroughly reflected on it. On the Taiwan question, Japan has violated the Cairo Declaration, Article 8 of the Potsdam Declaration, and the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and such moves are unreasonable. Japan has disregarded the serious political commitments to China in the four political documents including the China-Japan Joint Communiqué, which is disloyal. Japan has given up diplomatic autonomy and completely followed in Washington’s strategic footsteps, which is unwise. Japan has also failed to make a reflection and learn lessons from history, and instead, it has disregarded regional countries’ expectations for peace and stability, which is unethical.

(Global Times)