Earlier this month, on November 7, newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shook regional diplomacy in Tokyo's Diet session by warning that a "Taiwan contingency" involving force could threaten Japan’s survival, justifying collective self-defense.
The Chinese mainland reacted swiftly: formal demarches from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense, a travel and study alert for citizens, and a suspension of Japanese seafood imports.
Some observers labelled Beijing’s stance an overreaction, but the real story lies in its guiding foreign policy principle: yi dou zheng qiu he ping—“struggle for peace.” 🌏✌️
In this framework, “struggle” doesn’t mean war, but a firm defense of core interests to secure lasting stability. By drawing clear red lines—like traffic lights at a busy intersection—the Chinese mainland establishes boundaries no one should cross.
At the heart is the Taiwan issue: China has long declared that Taiwan is part of its territory and that the Taiwan question is a purely domestic affair. Any hint of external interference triggers an assertive response to deter future challenges. ⛔🚦
This approach echoes classic deterrence theory: show you’ll push back hard, and potential challengers think twice. It’s like saying, “Don’t run this red light or face serious consequences.” 🛑🚗
That said, Beijing also stresses dou er bu po—“struggle without breaking the relationship.” While firm, the Chinese mainland values its neighborly bonds and hopes Tokyo will now choose dialogue over confrontation. 🤝
As the ball returns to Japan’s court, the future of China-Japan ties hinges on whether both sides can respect each other’s core concerns and keep their diplomatic signals in sync.
Reference(s):
How 'struggle for peace' diplomacy explains China's Japan reaction
cgtn.com
