Japan Defence and General News Discussions

[ARMalik]

It is pretty simple - US wants to turn its slave Japan into another Ukraine. Things are heading in that direction.

 

[Michael]

Recent developments don't make it out to be that Takaichi is trying warm up to China. In fact she made remarks recently that upset the Chinese foreign office.

Really goes to show these type of leaders don't stand for anything, just there to earn a name and paycheck. Shes gonna be blackmailed or threatened by whoever really controls Japan and the American relationship and the options are: stand your ground, resign, or work for the agenda. The ones with some self respect will resign, the others will continue to work for the agenda. She seems to have chosen the latter.

Currently, Sanae Takaichi and other Japanese right-wing politicians are using ambiguous language in an attempt to retract their previous statements. However, China refuses to accept such equivocal responses.

The Chinese government's stance is very clear: she must directly and unequivocally retract her previous statements. Otherwise, China will continuously escalate its countermeasures.

Clearly, the Chinese government is deliberately using this incident, and there are deeper strategic considerations behind it.

Is it true that Chinese social media is supporting her stance? Why is that?

In Chinese philosophy, military action requires legitimate justification. This justification is not solely for the sake of international opinion, but more importantly, for the support of the entire nation. If the PLA were to directly attack Taiwan or Japan without sufficient justification, they would lose the support of most of the population.

Sanae Takaichi's remarks are not enough to warrant a direct military intervention by the PLA. However, she provides us with an opportunity to escalate the situation. If she continues to stand firm, China's countermeasures will continuously escalate. Under this spiral of escalation, the situation between the two sides will increasingly approach open warfare. ------ This is the outcome we desire.

However, if she backs down or resigns, the spiral of escalation will cease and de-escalate. Ultimately, this crisis will be resolved. ------ This is not the outcome we desire.

That is why we support her.

 

[ety]

Recent developments don't make it out to be that Takaichi is trying warm up to China. In fact she made remarks recently that upset the Chinese foreign office.

Really goes to show these type of leaders don't stand for anything, just there to earn a name and paycheck. Shes gonna be blackmailed or threatened by whoever really controls Japan and the American relationship and the options are: stand your ground, resign, or work for the agenda. The ones with some self respect will resign, the others will continue to work for the agenda. She seems to have chosen the latter.

Edit: I believe we are talking about the same development but from different angles, my apologies. Is it true that Chinese social media is supporting her stance? Why is that?

Chinese are looking for payback of heavy bloodshed of the last two centuries, the day will come, she might be the person bring about.

 

[Samurai]

Currently, Sanae Takaichi and other Japanese right-wing politicians are using ambiguous language in an attempt to retract their previous statements. However, China refuses to accept such equivocal responses.

The Chinese government's stance is very clear: she must directly and unequivocally retract her previous statements. Otherwise, China will continuously escalate its countermeasures.

Clearly, the Chinese government is deliberately using this incident, and there are deeper strategic considerations behind it.

In Chinese philosophy, military action requires legitimate justification. This justification is not solely for the sake of international opinion, but more importantly, for the support of the entire nation. If the PLA were to directly attack Taiwan or Japan without sufficient justification, they would lose the support of most of the population.

Sanae Takaichi's remarks are not enough to warrant a direct military intervention by the PLA. However, she provides us with an opportunity to escalate the situation. If she continues to stand firm, China's countermeasures will continuously escalate. Under this spiral of escalation, the situation between the two sides will increasingly approach open warfare. ------ This is the outcome we desire.

However, if she backs down or resigns, the spiral of escalation will cease and de-escalate. Ultimately, this crisis will be resolved. ------ This is not the outcome we desire.

That is why we support her.

"This is the outcome we desire"

Are the Chinese people mentally prepared for a possible war with Japan or any other country? Because your statement means like China is now looking for a clear reason to fire the first shot. Also will China ever fire the first shot or will it wait before the enemy fires first?

 

[lightning f57]

This is all posturing, Japan knows the consequences if it militarily gets involved to help Taiwan. While trumpy is in office the US will likely not directly get involved either, if you get another Biden ready to sacrifice a nation to weaken a strategic competitor then you never know. Ukraine is a case to study but its very different situation with Taiwan politically and geography wise.

 

[Michael]

Are the Chinese people mentally prepared for a possible war with Japan or any other country?

This is a necessary condition.

Because your statement means like China is now looking for a clear reason to fire the first shot. Also will China ever fire the first shot or will it wait before the enemy fires first?

Based on China's principles of warfare, China will certainly not fire the "first shot."

But, This involves a great deal of wisdom and skill. In fact, it's not that important.

In 1974, a naval battle took place between China and Vietnam in the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. At that time, the PLA employed some tactics to make the Vietnamese army fire the "first shot." Subsequently, the PLA seized the opportunity to recapture the islands in that area.

 

[ety]

Bring on, babe... We are waiting.​

​

Shigeru Ishiba: I was prime minister, so I know best that without China, Japan would not exist.​

2025-12-02 06:15


Even the Prime Minister said this, so just how strong is the relationship between Japan and China?

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made his point perfectly when he opened his mouth in Tokyo : "Without China, Japan would not exist!" This blunt truth from the old man really left everyone stunned.

Why does Shigeru Ishiba dare to say that?​

Shigeru Ishiba's words were not casual remarks. He is a seasoned politician with extensive experience in governance, having navigated the treacherous waters of Japanese politics for decades, weathering storms and learning from his mistakes.

In particular, he mentioned that he had been prime minister, saying, "I know better than anyone else." This wasn't boasting; it was the truth. Because only by sitting in that position can one truly understand the feeling that "a single move can affect the whole world" between nations.


Shigeru Ishiba's words were, in essence, a reminder to certain people in Japan: don't always think about going against China. If this "lifeline" is really cut off, Japan will be in real trouble.


Especially given the recent unwarranted comments from some Japanese politicians on the Taiwan issue, Shigeru Ishiba's statement undoubtedly serves as a "cold water," urging everyone to calm down.


In fact, such empathetic remarks are rare among high-ranking Japanese officials. Many people, due to various positions and pressures, may not say it aloud, but they understand it in their hearts.


Shigeru Ishiba's statement, "Without China, Japan would not exist," actually pierced the "window paper" of the relationship between Japan and China. Many people still hold the impression that "Japan is a developed country, while China is just a big market."

Actually, this idea is outdated. Modern Japan's economy is inextricably linked to China's . You say Japan can't live without China, but just how "indispensable" is it?


Japan's industrial and supply chains have long been integrated with China's. Many large Japanese companies source a significant portion of their components, raw materials, and assembly processes from China.


Don't be fooled by the clean and tidy appearance of Japanese factories; a large part of their "driving force" actually comes from China. If the Chinese side were to close down one day, those Japanese factories would immediately "go gas out."

Let's talk about trade. Japan's exports and imports from China account for the majority of its total exports. Looking at Japan's annual trade data, China has been Japan's largest trading partner for many years.


Many of Japan's chemical, machinery, automobile, and food products are sold to China. Chinese people like Japanese home appliances, cars, and snacks, while the Japanese also rely heavily on Chinese clothing, electronic components , rare earth elements , and agricultural products.


Many Japanese companies earn more money in the Chinese market than in their home country. Given this strong business relationship, do you think Japan would be willing to let go of it?

Who is whose "backer"?​

The relationship between Japan and China is not something that developed overnight. Looking back, from the Meiji Restoration to the end of World War II , and then to Japan's economic boom in the 1970s and 80s, every step of the way was inseparable from China's market and resources.


As early as the Meiji Restoration, Japan imported a large amount of technology, culture, and talent from China. Later, as Japan's economy took off, the Chinese market became a major source of revenue for Japanese exports.

In the 1970s, the Japanese economy encountered a bottleneck, and China opened its doors, providing Japanese companies with new avenues for growth. Then, in the 1990s, with China's reform and opening up , Japanese companies flocked in to invest and build factories, making huge profits.


Ultimately, China acts as a "stabilizer" and a "booster" for the Japanese economy. Without the Chinese market, the " pie " for Japanese companies would shrink by half.


Without Chinese components, many of Japan's high-tech industries wouldn't even be able to get their machines running. Shigeru Ishiba is right; this kind of " community of shared destiny " cannot be summarized simply as "you are in me, and I am in you."

In fact, the Japanese people's affection for Chinese culture runs much deeper than outsiders imagine. Whether it's Chinese characters, food, festivals, tea ceremony, martial arts, or literature, many things were transmitted from China.


Moreover, with the rise of China's economy, more and more Chinese people are traveling, studying, and investing in Japan. Every year, Chinese tourists bring a substantial amount of money to Japan.

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists alone brought Japan hundreds of billions of yen in revenue annually. Japanese businesses were incredibly welcoming to Chinese tourists, even adding Chinese to their menus, and cashiers could say a few words like "hello" and "thank you."


Cultural exchanges are also quietly deepening. Chinese TV dramas and Japanese anime are "visiting" each other, bringing young people closer together.

Many Japanese people who go to China to study or work say that the Chinese are warm, the environment is comfortable, and the food is delicious, which is completely different from the stereotypical image of China they had.

A strange phenomenon has emerged in Japanese politics in recent years: outwardly "tough," inwardly "conflicted." Especially when facing pressure from the United States , Japan sometimes feels compelled to "go along with the crowd," but when it comes to actual interests, its attitude immediately changes.

Shigeru Ishiba's words were a subtle reminder to Japan's top leadership: "Don't just blindly follow the US; you need to secure your own livelihood first." In recent years, the US has been actively forming alliances in the Asia-Pacific region , and Japan has always responded positively.

Shigeru Ishiba understood this perfectly; having served as prime minister himself, he knew where Japan's "confidence" came from. No matter how loudly Japan talks, if it were to actually "decouple," Japan would suffer the greatest loss.

Does Japan really dare to "meddle"​

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made some strong remarks on the Taiwan issue, even mentioning military intervention. Shigeru Ishiba immediately poured cold water on this, stating bluntly, "Without China, could Japan still exist?"



This statement is essentially a reminder to Japan's top leadership: don't gamble with the country's future. The Taiwan issue is fundamentally China's internal affair; if Japan gets involved, it will be no laughing matter.


China's stance has always been clear: anyone who stirs up trouble on the Taiwan issue will bear the consequences. If Japan really follows the US in making a mess of things, it will not only suffer heavy economic losses, but also face security challenges.


Shigeru Ishiba's words were essentially a warning to Japan not to "play with fire and get burned." Japan and China are geographically close and have deep economic ties; if things really sour, Japan will be the one that suffers the most.


While there have been unpleasant experiences in the history of China and Japan, peace and cooperation have always been the main themes. Especially after experiencing the trials and tribulations of the last century, the people of both countries understand this even more clearly:



The greatest wealth is the dividend of peace. As long as China and Japan maintain friendly relations, and with economic development and social stability, everyone's lives will become increasingly prosperous.


Shigeru Ishiba's words were actually a call for Japan to not forget its "original aspirations." Over the past few decades, Sino-Japanese relations have experienced ups and downs, but at their best, both sides focused on economic development and technological advancement, becoming the " locomotives " of the world economy.


At this point, one has to remark: the cooperation between Japan and China over the past few decades has truly been mutually beneficial. Japanese companies have made money in China, while Chinese companies have learned from Japan's advanced experience.


More and more young Japanese people are coming to China to work and start businesses. Young Chinese people also enjoy watching Japanese anime and playing Japanese games, finding life in Japan interesting.


Shigeru Ishiba's statement, "Without China, Japan simply could not exist," is actually a wake-up call for Japanese politics. For Japan to continue its development and maintain prosperity, it cannot do without China's market, resources, and cooperation.



Anyone who tries to "decouple" from China is cutting off their own path to prosperity. It's not just Japan; the United States, Europe , and other countries are all tightly "tied" to China.


China's development dividends are a "cake" that the whole world wants a piece of. If Japan wants to continue to " win big ," it needs to maintain good relations with China and stop blindly following others on key issues.


The world is so vast and changing so rapidly that no one dares to claim they can remain unaffected. Japan's continued prosperity and happiness depend on China's support and cooperation.

https://min.news/en/world/f0d85a696265df0c033e3e79c0942e4c.html

 

[Mista]

I just returned from a trip in Japan. There are certainly lesser Chinese tourists, but there are still lots of tourists from other countries.

There are lots of Vietnamese in large groups at popular tourist spots, although I'm not sure they are directly from Vietnam or they are Vietnamese working in Japan.

 

[Viet]

I just returned from a trip in Japan. There are certainly lesser Chinese tourists, but there are still lots of tourists from other countries.

There are lots of Vietnamese in large groups at popular tourist spots, although I'm not sure they are directly from Vietnam or they are Vietnamese working in Japan.

just wonder how do you know they are Vietnamese?

 

[Yellow is Okay]

just wonder how do you know they are Vietnamese?

You can even tell Chinese and Vietnamese apart pretty easily, and Vietnamese vs Japanese is even more obvious. There are a bunch of cues too, like their facial features, the language they're speaking, their style and fashion trends, that kind of thing.

 

[Viet]

You can even tell Chinese and Vietnamese apart pretty easily, and Vietnamese vs Japanese is even more obvious. There are a bunch of cues too, like their facial features, the language they're speaking, their style and fashion trends, that kind of thing.

Yes I know. Vietnamese can recognize Chinese, Japanese and Koreans.
But Mista is from Singspore.

 

[Yellow is Okay]

Yes I know. Vietnamese can recognize Chinese, Japanese and Koreans.
But Mista is from Singspore.

I mean, you don't even need to come to Vietnam to know what Vietnamese look like. Just like I have never been to China either, but I still have a pretty clear idea of what Chinese people look like.

 

[Mista]

just wonder how do you know they are Vietnamese?

Language. They were all speaking Vietnamese.

 

[wangdefa]

I would rather see Japan continue to amplify its wrong words and even take action. Our coast guard ships have already taken practical actions in the Diaoyu Islands, expelling Japanese fishing boats and coast guard.

 

[AjitWadhwa]

The Japanese government has flatly refused to allocate new land for Muslim cemeteries, citing a shortage of space.


People on social media are calling it a manifestation of Islamophobia, while some people understand Japan's space problem. Community leaders are saying that they will approach the court. The government will now have to strike a balance – on one hand, there is a shortage of space, and on the other, there is the issue of human rights.

This Decision Also Raises Questions on Global Migration​

Human rights organisations say that this decision is extremely disappointing. How can a developed country like Japan limit religious diversity so much? This is not only a violation of the rights of Muslims but also raises a big question on global migration. It is hoped that a positive change will come soon. Currently, the Muslim community is preparing for a legal battle against the Japanese government. The United Nations (UN) is keeping an eye on this matter.

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