Commenting on the virtual 2+2 meeting on January 7 between the Foreign and Defense ministers of the US
and Japan, an article in the Global Times (January 8) noted that "they hyped the so-called threat from China
and declared that 'they resolved to work together to deter and, if necessary, respond to destabilizing activities
in the region'." It stated they had discussed their joint statement reiterated that the US-Japan Treaty of Mutual
Cooperation and Security "applies to" the Diaoyu Islands, and "also mentioned Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong
Kong, the East China Sea and the South China Sea". the Global Times article said "We would like to say a
few words to Japan in particular. Japan has handed over its land to the US military as an outpost for
intervention in the Taiwan Straits. This is equivalent to sending a target to the People's Liberation Army. Japan's strategic depth is extremely small, and any military target can easily be locked. If the Japanese SelfDefense Forces participate directly, then they will inevitably face more serious consequences. We do not
know whether Tokyo really understands what a dangerous thing it is doing with Washington now”. It added
"Hopefully Japan is not just making a gesture, but will also stay cautious and restraint in real actions". The
article also said "From the bottom of their hearts, the US and Japan do not want to see China's reunification".
Stating that "The power balance between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits is irreversibly developing in a
direction that is more beneficial to the mainland", it added "The DPP authority is conceiving of a ghost baby
of "secessionism" and that "as long as the DPP authority still wants to seek "secession" and Taiwan
secessionist forces are still ready to move, the Chinese mainland will not renounce the last resort of
reunification by force. This is also the steel ceiling to curb "Taiwan secessionists" from taking chances". It
declared in conclusion "The US and its allies think that by using diplomatic rhetoric and tricks to differentiate
and rope in others, they can benefit from the Taiwan question. But facts will eventually prove that this will
only backfire. The Taiwan Straits is not a place where the US and its allies can craft a publicity stunt. The
deeper they are involved, the greater the price they will pay in the end."
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