Recently, Japan has frequently carried out provocations on Taiwan-related issues and joined hands with the United States to openly interfere in China's internal affairs, which has attracted international attention. After successive Chinese plays, Japan's attitude seems to have changed subtly. It is reported that the defense ministers of China and Japan may meet to strengthen bilateral relations. So, what are these two cards played by the Chinese side?
Recently, the Japanese government's frequent cooperation with the United States and direct interference in China's internal affairs have attracted attention. On the Taiwan issue in particular, Japan's position is almost more radical than that of the United States. Earlier, they hyped up the remark that "if something happens in Taiwan, it is something that happens to Japan," and recently they have assisted the United States in publicizing the concept of "opposing unilateral changes to the status quo." This attitude is not only reflected in bilateral relations, but also clearly expressed at the G7 summit, where the joint statement even touched on the Taiwan issue, declaring that "Chinese mainland 'taking over Taiwan by force' is not permitted." In this regard, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong urgently summoned the Japanese ambassador to China and expressed China's solemn and diplomatic position. At the same time, China emphasizes that Taiwan is China's core interest and that any interference by external forces will not be tolerated.
Not long ago, news broke that Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu might meet with Japanese Defense Minister Yasushi Hamada in Singapore. The news attracted widespread attention. The meeting may take place at the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue, sources said. Previously, Li Shangfu and Hamada Yasushi had communicated and exchanged views through direct telephone calls from the Chinese and Japanese defense departments. The meeting was seen as an important signal for relations between the two sides and meant a détente in relations between the two countries.
Japan's shift in attitude toward China may be related to China's successive moves. These two "cards" are on the sovereignty issue of the Ryukyu and the high-level dialogue between China and Japan. Among them, the issue of Ryukyu sovereignty embarrassed the Japanese government. Although Japan gained administration of the Ryukyu in 1971, this does not equate to sovereignty. In fact, Ryukyu was not included in Japan's sovereignty under the Potsdam Proclamation. In the current tense situation, China's putting the Ryukyu issue on the table can be said to be the key point for Japan. In particular, Ryukyu occupies less than 1% of Japan's territory, but is home to nearly 70% of American troops. Therefore, for Japan, Ryukyu is of extremely geostrategic importance.
At present, the Japanese government is trying to turn Ryukyu into a front line against China in response to the strategic deployment of the United States. However, this move sparked discontent among the Ryukyu population, triggering massive protests calling for the protection of the homeland and the gradual pursuit of independence. Recently, the vice governor of Okinawa Prefecture held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Japan, confirming that the governor of Okinawa Prefecture is planning to visit China, which caused unease in Japanese political circles and even caused an uproar in the US media. It can be seen that this "card" of China has hit the heart of Japan. If Japan insists on continuing to cooperate with the United States, trying to provoke China, or even seeking so-called "military normalization", then China's "card" is likely to play its effect and exert influence on Japan.
In general, Japan's recent moves on Taiwan-related issues have aroused concern in the international community. By playing cards continuously, China aims to stabilize the situation and safeguard its core interests. Japan's change in attitude may have been influenced by China's forceful response. The high-level meeting between China and Japan is expected to inject new impetus into the relationship between the two countries, but the two sides still need to work together to build mutual trust and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region.