标签： Asia

China has issued a stern warning against Japan’s recent comments on Taiwan, emphasizing that such interference in China’s internal affairs is unacceptable. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed the media on Wednesday, condemning Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks about the Taiwan Strait. Takaichi had suggested that China’s actions toward Taiwan could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, hinting at potential military intervention. Zhu labeled these comments as an attempt to revive militarism and undermine the achievements of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). She reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and called on Japan to cease its provocative actions. Zhu also criticized Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for colluding with external forces to pursue ‘independence,’ warning that such efforts are futile and will be met with firm countermeasures. Over 30 civil groups in Taiwan joined in condemning Takaichi’s remarks, rejecting any role as victims of Japanese militarism. Additionally, Zhu opposed Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s reported plans to transit through the United States, urging the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and avoid sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ forces.

Australians continue to value their alliance with the United States, but a new poll reveals growing skepticism and critical views toward the relationship. Conducted by the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, the survey of 2,045 respondents highlights a significant shift in public opinion. For the first time in five years, more Australians (57%) believe the US, rather than China (51%), would pressure Australia to take sides in their rivalry. This reflects a broader awareness that pressure can come from allies as well as adversaries. Concerns about US interference in Australia have surged to 54%, a nearly 20-point increase since 2021, narrowing the gap with concerns about interference from China and Russia, which remain steady at 64%. The poll also indicates that nearly two-thirds of Australians fear a second Trump presidency would heighten the likelihood of conflict with China. Economic perceptions have shifted dramatically, with 72% of respondents now viewing the US as using trade for political punishment, compared to 70% for China. Despite these concerns, Australians’ views of China have softened since 2021. While mistrust of the Chinese government persists, it has declined from 76% to 64%, and two-thirds of Australians now see China as a security concern, the lowest level in five years. Regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea, remain a focal point, with 72% of respondents viewing China’s actions there as a threat to Australia’s interests. Support for defense spending has reached a record high of 72%, though this drops to 55% when trade-offs with health or education are considered. The AUKUS defense pact, which includes plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, is supported by half of Australians as a means to enhance national security. On Taiwan, opinions are divided: 37% would support sending troops if China attacked, while most prefer neutrality or non-military engagement. In a hypothetical US-China conflict over Taiwan, 50% of Australians would favor neutrality, and 47% would back supporting the US. The survey also reveals that China policy is increasingly influencing Australian voters, with 37% citing it as a factor in the 2025 federal election, up 10 points from 2022. Overall, Australians are adopting a more nuanced approach to managing their relationships with both China and the US, balancing economic interests with strategic concerns.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments suggesting potential military intervention in Taiwan have drawn sharp criticism from China and raised concerns about the resurgence of militarism in Japan. Observers argue that Takaichi’s remarks are a calculated move to court right-wing supporters and bolster her Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) position after losing its parliamentary majority. Earlier this month, Takaichi became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to publicly discuss military action in Taiwan, framing it as a response to a ‘survival-threatening situation.’ This stance directly contradicts Article 9 of Japan’s pacifist Constitution, which renounces war and the use of force in international disputes. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned the remarks, likening them to historical justifications used by Japanese militarism, such as the 1931 invasion of Manchuria and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mao emphasized the need for the international community to remain vigilant against militarism and uphold the postwar international order. At the UN General Assembly, China’s Permanent Representative Fu Cong criticized Takaichi’s comments as a departure from Japan’s commitment to peaceful development and a threat to global stability. Analysts warn that Takaichi’s rhetoric risks inflaming populist sentiments and could lead to significant domestic and international repercussions. Meanwhile, Japan’s refusal to retract the remarks has prompted China to suspend imports of Japanese aquatic products, citing safety concerns and public backlash. Mao reiterated that Japan would bear the consequences of its actions if it persists in its stance.

The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea under the guise of an anti-drug campaign, raising concerns about its true intentions and the potential destabilization of Latin America. Since September, US forces have adopted a more aggressive stance, conducting attacks on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in international waters, resulting in at least 80 fatalities. Despite Washington’s claims that these actions aim to curb drug flow into the US, no concrete evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug smuggling has been provided.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has condemned these attacks as violations of international law, while experts like Cao Ting, director of the Center for Latin American Studies at Fudan University, argue that counter-narcotics has historically been a pretext for US intervention in the region. Reports from the US Drug Enforcement Administration indicate that Venezuela is not a primary source of drugs entering the US, further questioning the legitimacy of these military operations.

The recent arrival of the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group has pushed the total US military personnel in the Caribbean to over 15,000, marking the largest buildup in decades. Zheng Meng, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Latin America Studies, asserts that the scale of this deployment far exceeds what is necessary for drug interdiction, suggesting that the true objective is to strengthen political control and economic exploitation in Latin America.

This military surge has sparked widespread controversy, both domestically and internationally. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that only 29% of Americans support military strikes against suspected drug traffickers without judicial oversight. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized the operations as violations of international law, and the UK has suspended intelligence sharing with the US on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.

Experts warn that the US’s unilateral actions and power politics not only violate international law but also undermine regional peace and stability, leading to growing global dissatisfaction. As the US continues to escalate its military operations, Latin America faces an increasingly dangerous and uncertain future, transforming what should be a peaceful region into a volatile one.