Letters | Japan overplayed its hand at the table of great powers
Readers discuss the broader implications of Tokyo’s miscalculation, Hong Kong’s entry requirements for native English-speaking teachers, and whether anything could have been done differently in Tai Po
It was a stone thrown into the pool of great-power rivalry. The waves it stirred have given China, the United States and Russia opportunities to adjust their positions and advance their own interests. It was a miscalculation on Japan’s part.
The episode offered China a legitimate focus for strategic messaging. Beijing swiftly took political, economic and diplomatic countermeasures. These moves were not merely a response to one politician’s provocative remarks; they were a forceful demonstration to the international community of China’s “red lines”. The message was unambiguous: no external force will be allowed to obstruct reunification.
For the US, the incident highlighted the calculations behind its strategic ambiguity. Washington’s official response after the escalation was strikingly muted. It neither publicly criticised China’s strong reaction nor offered active peacemaking rhetoric. That silence itself spoke volumes: the US is unwilling to be dragged into direct confrontation by the unilateral adventurism of an ally.
For Russia, it was an opportunity to cement its strategic coordination with China. Moscow reaffirmed its support for the one-China principle regarding Taiwan and warned against external interference. This is part of a longer-term strategy to deepen cooperation with China in the Far East and jointly counter Western pressure.