politics

Japan caught in dilemma with mainland China over Hong Kong

75 Comments
By Tomoyuki Tachikawa

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© KYODO

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

75 Comments
Login to comment

@Ping An

I am sure that if you say ‘independence for Hong Kong’

or ‘Hong Kong should be governed by democratically locally elected leaders’ that you will be jailed for 10 years.

Do you feel more secure now?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Are you seriously referring to residents of Hong Kong in this way?? In this day and age?

Is it really necessary for someone to point out to you that your chosen moniker, so redolent of arrogant presumption of unsinkability, is today a byword for fatal miscalculation?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I am a Hong Kong people. Majority of us welcome the new Security Law.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

transfer of 3 million pawns!!

Are you seriously referring to residents of Hong Kong in this way?? In this day and age?

Good god!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

No worries! The Hong Kong chaos is caused by a hysteria of "Red Alerts"! It will back to normal a few weeks later! This is definately not Japanese business!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Cynical feel good virtue signaling completely at odds with the isolationist appeasing Brexit pabulum about secure borders. They should have kept their powder dry, kept China guessing. This ludicrous and preposterously unworkable ultimatum diplomacy effectively cedes control of UK immigration to the Chinese Communist Party which, despite its public protestations to the contrary, is just as likely to have made the estimation that the transfer of 3 million pawns advances their interests.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

China is taking over because they know that do-nothing Trump will do nothing.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

US government been expose, they funded the HK protests last year, the article is from SCMP base in Taiwan.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This matter needs addressing, NOW

Mr China is abusing the sanctity of freedoms more so than usual.

This is the 21st century, not the 12th.

In New Zealand our government responded, then so did the Chinese Embassy.

It is prudent to issue a comment, it is cowardice not to.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

No debate, Japan should at once seek to strengthen its stance against China, Now is the time to revoke Article 9, and build up its military strength, starting with those 2 Izumo class carriers being upgraded to full aircraft potential. China can ignore diplomatic pressure, but it will hate having a military power on its doorstep and as bully only responds to strength, japan should not be afraid to do so!

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

If Japan had any politicians or diplomats who could actually PERFORM what their job descriptions say, this wouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, graduating Todai or being a distant relative of Abe doesn't qualify anyone to deal with this situation.

Japan has no diplomats or actual politicians.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

You don't need constantly screaming to make a point. Abe's current method to deal with China is right, it's from Teddy Roosevelt's textbook of " speak softly and have a big stick". For example Japan was among the first group of counties to ban Huawei and China barely responded anything.

Abe is also adamant on inviting Taiwan to WHO, again, China pretends they didn't hear anything

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Japan accept 500,000? Lol.

Yeah, like, how many refugees does Japan accept every year?

And educated Hkers are not going to come to Japan just to clean toilets and work in convenient stores, doing the night shifts.

PM Johnson and Foreign Secretary Domenic Raab have repeatedly assured the public that the wheels are now in motion to get those 3 Million over to the UK ASAP.

I'll believe it when I see it. They weren't that keen in helping out after 1989, apart from handing out passports to the ultra-rich. What I worry is that it is going to ramp up the racial discrimination we already see in the UK.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Not supporting the democratic rights promised HK for the sake of totalitarian China's almighty remimbi has shown Japan to have lost its moral compass.

No respect.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Just reading on the BBC this morning that 53 countries at the UN support China. "At the United Nations this week, Cuba - on behalf of 53 countries - welcomed the law. Speaking at the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, it said: "Non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states is an essential principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We believe every country has the right to safeguard its national security through legislation, and commend relevant steps taken for this purpose." Plus, China is going to stop the UK granting visas. To be honest, the only one who can stop China is the US: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/02/china-could-prevent-hongkongers-moving-to-uk-says-dominic-raab

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If people really believe it's right for other countries to meddle in China's affairs they should call on their leaders to effect immediate economic sanctions.

They should start by not buying or accepting donations of facemasks and test kits from China right this moment to loudly register their strong righteous unwavering convictions.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I am sure the National Front supporters also have similar worries, all those people coming in!!!!

I’m sure they will. These idiots are permanently triggered anyway.

It still doesn’t change the serious discussion about the logistics of this. Silly comments about just resettling 3 million across the major cities with no knowledge whatsoever of the housing situation in the UK as a whole ,which Is already dire, are most unhelpful.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I think it does. The poster who is very anti-China is telling us a little-known, unimaginative and quite lame nickname is supposedly doing the rounds on ‘the web’ I’d say he’s trying to popularize it here. One poster is already very impressed with it.

Job done.

Nah. It's just you trying to make it into something it is not.

The fact that the post has 8 likes and zero dislikes does make you come across as childish for trying to say "That roughly translates as ‘I’m trying to popularize it'".

0 ( +4 / -4 )

MarkToday  09:57 am JST

If and when HK adjusts to the new reality, things will start to get better. China has the right to impose laws and rules over it's people, and HK is NO different.

Most people think it's not right for China to impose on its own people but it's right for other countries to impose on China.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Your image of all Hong Kongers coming over with shedloads of cash is ridiculous, particularly when the influx looks like it will younger Hong Kongers.

I am sure the National Front supporters also have similar worries, all those people coming in!!!!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, pretty much anywhere they want to settle in communities. Hong Kongers will have the cash to buy apartments in good areas, dont worry about that

Nor enough detail, sport. That isn’t breaking the logistics down. How much do you actually know about house prices and availability in these cities? The prices of accommodation in the good areas is eye-watering in London in particular. Your image of all Hong Kongers coming over with shedloads of cash is ridiculous, particularly when the influx looks like it will younger Hong Kongers.

That roughly translates as ‘I’m trying to popularize it’.

I don't think it does

I think it does. The poster who is very anti-China is telling us a little-known, unimaginative and quite lame nickname is supposedly doing the rounds on ‘the web’ I’d say he’s trying to popularize it here. One poster is already very impressed with it.

Job done.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The CCP view any treaty or obligation as advisory at best and more usually disposable, to be ignored when an inconvenience. Chinese Constitution, WTO, UNCLOS and now the HK declaration, all meaningless as far as Emperor Xi & the (expletive deleted) in his Beijing cabal are concerned.

So never give them Market Economy status, don't believe a word they say regarding international behavior and most importantly support Taiwan - HK is just a dry run for what they would do to the Taiwanese's democracy.

China is a threat to world peace.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Break the logistics down for us. Where are these 3 million going to be resettled?

London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, pretty much anywhere they want to settle in communities. Hong Kongers will have the cash to buy apartments in good areas, dont worry about that.

It wont be easy for them at first, but the other option of them being brutally held forever (or worse) by Communist China does not bear thinking. The UK and Taiwan is doing the right thing, and other nations should immediately follow suit.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

That roughly translates as ‘I’m trying to popularize it’.

I don't think it does.

I think you are doing your usual thing of miscronstruing on purpose because you don't like what's been said.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I’m so sad that even in this century there’s a kind of battle between liberalism and authoritarian.

But as liberal countries, we might not have to interfere any affairs of each country. Whatever the countries are or not

I like this sentence

“Abe to implement measures to help residents of the special administrative region, such as allowing them to immigrate to Japan, as Britain and Taiwan have considered doing so.”

3 ( +4 / -1 )

PM Johnson and Foreign Secretary Domenic Raab have repeatedly assured the public that the wheels are now in motion to get those 3 Million over to the UK ASAP. From the BBC:

Johnson and Raab are compulsive liars and are certainly not expecting, nor could deal with, 3 million. Like your ‘envy of the world’ ‘Abe-san’, ‘Aso-sensei’, ‘President Trump’ and ‘Michael Pence’, they are full of it.

I’m not arguing with the principle here, I’m looking at the logistics. Three million is about the population of Wales.

Break the logistics down for us. Where are these 3 million going to be resettled?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

EU wants to open their border for Chinese tourists...that's sounds like a joke. I would recommend Chinese tourists to stay at home in their despotic tyranny state and don't bother decent people with your propaganda. Not to mention about Chinese virus which put this planet in mess and kills half a million people so far

3 ( +4 / -1 )

China uses its students, tourists as a tool while threatening other countries , they did that to S.Korea and are doing it to Australia now.

There needs to be an alliance between countries who should stand up to China. The US under an erratic and corrupt trump might not be the right partner now, but will be in a few months.

If you deny Chinese students admission in foreign universities and ban their tourists there might be a rebellion in China. There is already a high level of dissatisfaction in Chinese society and it's time countries turned smart and exploited it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

HKG is the START, the world needs to reign in the Chinese MONSTER!!

 

This article ties in perfectly what I have often harped on about as the Chinese MONSTER!!

As I have said many times, we pay NOW or a LOT MORE LATER!!

Corporate greed has been the main driver for all this the last 30+yrs. And if companies DONT start getting out of China THEY will be a BIG reason for the eventual war the west has with China & the millions of dead that likely will pile up, but don't expect big business or western govts to take much responsibility.

This article CLEARLY shows the corporate greed does NOT care PERIOD!!

I am fine with basic capitalism, but insane growth wanted is clearly no where near sustainable.

Bottom line is Corporations, Govt & us People will need to make some HARD changes in our lifestyles to avoid a war with China!!! Sadly I don't think we are up for it, the war will happen sadly.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The (dis)UK taking 3 million HKers.......yeah, like it’s really gonna happen.

PM Johnson and Foreign Secretary Domenic Raab have repeatedly assured the public that the wheels are now in motion to get those 3 Million over to the UK ASAP. From the BBC:

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said there would be no limit on numbers or quotas and the application process would be simple.

"This is a special, bespoke, set of arrangements developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong," he said.

This MUST be done very soon to ensure the safety of HK citizens. (Within 6-12 months) As Raab states, the UK has no way of stopping Communist China from preventing HK citizens from leaving. The longer these 3 Million+ stay, the surer the likelihood of them being arrested, tortured, assets seized, and taken to the mainland, never to be seen again.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

People here talk much about Japan is capable of standing up against China. My question for you is HOW?

Build 3000 nuclear weapons, mount on hypersonic missiles and aim at Beijing.

The situation now commands for a Winston Churchill instead of a Neville Chamberlain.

Abe is nowhere close in gravitas or intellect to either of them.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

China destroyed the Japanese economy with Covid, ruined Tokyo's olympic dreams, and routinely violates its territorial integrity. Abe and Suga bending over for Xi is pathetic. Togo, Tojo, Mishima and Mifune must be rolling in their graves.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Japan can't decently humanly cope with their own system of technical trainees thousands of High skilled, educated Hong Kong residents suddenly arrive....that's a huge teeth sucking series of meetings that will continue well past its usefulness. Not seeing that happen anytime soon.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

tooheysnewToday  09:17 am JST

you can definitely see the similarities of China now & 1930’s Nazi Germany

China is a one-party ruled socialist state that has replaced "communism" with "nationalism" to enforce national cohesion.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

The UK is taking 3 Million Hong Kongers born pre-1997, within probably the next 1-2 years

The (dis)UK taking 3 million HKers.......yeah, like it’s really gonna happen.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

AgentXToday  09:12 am JST

Japan it's a pacifist country, weak militarily, relies on America for its own defense and security. You need a different kind of Japan to help you in Hong Kong or to help Taiwan.

Given the history and current situation, a highly militarized Japan would cause enough tension in the region to potentially start WWIII...

Old Anti-JP propaganda that no longer works since China has shown it's true colors to the world. Every nation in the region apart from China and it's puppets the Koreas welcome Japan building up it's military. It is also welcomed by Anazac and EU nations.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

so Japan can accept up to 500,000 of the youth of HK. 

Japan accept 500,000? Lol.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

On social media platforms, many Hong Kong and Japanese users have called on Abe to implement measures to help residents of the special administrative region, such as allowing them to immigrate to Japan, as Britain and Taiwan have considered doing so.

"But mainland China is one of the most important trading partners for Japan and vice versa. They have no option but to deepen cooperation as their economies have plunged in the aftermath of the virus pandemic," the source said.

We played right into the CCP's hands haven't we?

BTW. Deepening cooperation with China is the LAST things we should be doing. We'd only be making ourselves more vulnerable them.

There ARE options like getting out of China. Trade with them, yes, but don't put so many factories there.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

That has been the policy of the last 40 years. Clearly hasn't worked as expected, and the West has less influence on the CCP than ever.

Why do you think this policy failed?

It seemed to be working for a bit. But at some point, China crossed a line where they became wealthy enough and independent enough that the CCP felt they could call the shots, and didn't need to bow to outside pressure. And they might be right. It all depends on how other nations react. I am not very optimistic.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Condemnation and big talks can't do a crap! Shinzo Abe and LDP cronies are deadly feared the CCP who has strings on every business leader of Japan that puts a factory in China. Mike Pompeo doesn't mention Japan much in his anti-China coalition because the US is aware of Japanese heavy dependence on China.

People here talk much about Japan is capable of standing up against China. My question for you is HOW?

The EU is hesistant, but the US is determined. Japan can't stand a chance against Xi's wrath.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

The world needs to make a stand as one, put sanctions on Chy-na, stop trade, no more manufacturing, sell it no more ore , beef, fish or other raw materials and buy nothing from it.

Exclude it from the international community.

There are plenty of other nations who we could all trade with and use for manufacturing and the growth in their economies would be a good thing for the world too.

Chy-na was given a turn at joining in the world and has shown itself to be nothing but a bully with bad manners who still hasnt learnt to get long with others in this world, chy-na is completely out of step with the rest of the world.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

If and when HK adjusts to the new reality, things will start to get better. China has the right to impose laws and rules over it's people, and HK is NO different.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

I know activists have been quite successful with the BDS movement against Israeli occupation, perhaps consumers need to do something similar with China. Trouble is, so many things we buy are made with Chinese products.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

you can definitely see the similarities of China now & 1930’s Nazi Germany - claiming neighbouring territories as their own, discrimination of ethnic minorities, crackdown on dissenters.

Other countries need to follow Australia’s lead & stand up to China.

Strength in numbers.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

j@

dbsaiya re Bolton's book paints an embarrassing picture of Abe and Japan, and for Abe to continue thinking that Trump can play a leader on the world stage is either willful ignorance or idiocy.

hmm interesting comment, but in reality one cannot ignore that despite what one may like or dislike about PM Abe IMO he is neither ignorant or an idiot, otherwise he would have been gone along time ago as the PM and Japan would not be the 2-3 largest economy in the world. I say 2-3 because China's numbers simply can't be trusted as such where Japans' figures have merit.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Japan it's a pacifist country, weak militarily, relies on America for its own defense and security. You need a different kind of Japan to help you in Hong Kong or to help Taiwan.

Given the history and current situation, a highly militarized Japan would cause enough tension in the region to potentially start WWIII...

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

You really are praying for a miracle when you look to Japan for help in human rights issues...

1 ( +8 / -7 )

That has been the policy of the last 40 years. Clearly hasn't worked as expected, and the West has less influence on the CCP than ever.

Why do you think this policy failed?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

same as any country: Profits vs People.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Initial economic impact from picking a fight with China would be pretty bad, but it would be a chance to bring manufacturing back to Japan. Maybe?

I really would like to see the world come together and sanction China over Hong Kong and what they've been doing to the Uighurs.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

kurisupisuToday 07:57 am JST

Japan should be gearing up to take Hong Kong people!

What an incredible opportunity to revitalize Japan with an influx of....

Sorry, I got lost in my dream...

very well said. I concur

11 ( +12 / -1 )

dbsaiyaToday  07:49 am JST

Abe putting his eggs in Trump's basket is cowardly and asinine.

Objecting to China breaking their promise of the 50 years and taking over a democratic Hong Kong is not "backing Trump". Rest assured when Trump is out of office the entire world will still object to China fascist ways.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

China is backed by American corporations, corrupt as hell.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Japan should be gearing up to take Hong Kong people!

What an incredible opportunity to revitalize Japan with an influx of....

Sorry, I got lost in my dream...

9 ( +13 / -4 )

Open up China and influence her directly.

That has been the policy of the last 40 years. Clearly hasn't worked as expected, and the West has less influence on the CCP than ever.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

If you want Japan's help then move to Japan. We welcome Hong Kong citizens looking for freedom and a new start.

Japan is restricted by Article 9, if you want a stronger Japan with a louder voice and more influence, then you should support Japan's change to its constitution and Article 9.

China doesn't care what Japan has to say. Japan it's a pacifist country, weak militarily, relies on America for its own defense and security. You need a different kind of Japan to help you in Hong Kong or to help Taiwan.

7 ( +13 / -6 )

"For the time being, Japan cannot take actions that could irritate China....

So, China then controls Japan. Japan is not in control of its own decision process as Japan enables China to take full control of how Japan sees China and acts within the boundaries of what China expects. Is this correct?

17 ( +19 / -2 )

Japan, along with the other world leaders needs to be strong. Condemn Communist China in no uncertain terms for their human rights abuses, torture and execution of so many millions of minorities. Drastically cut back on trade - including shutting down tourism from Mainland China when the pandemic is over. Set up a special Bureau where by the youth of HK - those born after 1997 - can immediately begin to apply for Japanese SPR, that will be granted within 1 year. They will have refugee status in Japan while the SPR is finalized.

The UK is taking 3 Million Hong Kongers born pre-1997, within probably the next 1-2 years, so Japan can accept up to 500,000 of the youth of HK. These people are highly educated, well off (so do not need any welfare), share Japanese values of democracy and a love of freedom, and would be a huge shot in the arm for Japanese industry. They would fit in seamlessly with Japanese.

Save the youth of HK! Fight the HK gov't, thug police and authorities!

16 ( +20 / -4 )

Abe putting his eggs in Trump's basket is cowardly and asinine. He seriously needs to re-think his golfer - caddie relationship with Trump. Bolton's book paints an embarrassing picture of Abe and Japan, and for Abe to continue thinking that Trump can play a leader on the world stage is either willful ignorance or idiocy. If China cracks down further in Hong Kong there could be another Tienanmen massacre and the world will have let it happen. You either stand for democracy and freedom of speech or you don't.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

While I expect another Cold War regime to emerge, there won't be a clear-cut boundary separating the two camps over ideology. People value freedom, human rights and political participation... and at the same time they also like China's money!

Japan's ambivalent position is not at all unique as many other countries have faced the similar challenges and intimidation from Beijing (and some have been largely compromised...)

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Is Japan is blaming Trump for their (lack of) stance? That's just silly.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

There is no dilemma. China is rising like Nazis of old, performing a genocide dwarfing stuff from former Yugoslavia, violating borders with neighbors, and treating other countries with no respect for international conventions. Until China starts suffering consequences for their actions, this thing will only get worse. The situation now commands for a Winston Churchill instead of a Neville Chamberlain.

19 ( +24 / -5 )

"But mainland China is one of the most important trading partners for Japan and vice versa."

Re: I don't see the vice-versa considering there are not as much Japan exports much less any country heading into China and when in reality the latter heavily favoring China vs Japan or any other country heavily receiving imports seems like a pretty much a trade imbalance. Japan like other countries prior survived quite well, should go back to doing business as before. Japan and other countries simply could start a new WTO and view China as neighboring country just like they do the rest of the world.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

History repeating, China is the now Nazi party, as above label people wanting basic human rights as Terrorists? You have to be joking or desperate for social points. When you have to live in fear of your government then something is seriously wrong.

21 ( +28 / -7 )

Like the man with the message for the world on his T-shirt Japanese leaders need to grow a pair and join others countries to signal their determination to impose economic and political sanctions if the CCP persists with its brutal policies of enslavement and extinguishing human dignity. And let's not forget the Uighurs and other oppressed ethnic groups.

21 ( +26 / -5 )

Japan cannot take actions that could irritate China...

Yes it can. There's a million examples. Like, if countries "irritated" China after the SARS outbreak by forcing it to crack down on its wet markets and extensive wildlife trade, we now wouldn't all be suffering from the worst global disaster since World War 2.

irritating China pays big dividends. Placating China can be devastating.

31 ( +36 / -5 )

Don’t throw in the towel yet. Open up China and influence her directly.

-16 ( +1 / -17 )

If Abe can't make right choice, he is really stupid.

-11 ( +9 / -20 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites