Debates over Japan’s remilitarization intentions - Viktor Gao & Pascal Lottaz

‘PM Takaichi, I hope you listen to me, the moment Japan possesses a  nuclear weapon, it will be the moment of its own annihilation’  – Viktor Gao. ‘Such language will only make Japan think of arming itself more’ – Pascal Lottaz.

In this episode of RT’s Sanchez Effect, Rick engages in a debate over Japan’s remilitarization intentions. He is joined by Pascal Lottaz, an assistant professor at Kyoto’s Waseda Institute; and from China’s side, Viktor Gao, a lawyer and chair professor at Soochow University.

The reason for the debate – the recent statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that her country will activate its self-defense force if China attacks Taiwan. But the whole issue regarding the territory is a red line for Beijing. Viktor Gao and Pascal Lottaz both agree that the statement was a “stupid act” and a betrayal of all pledges Tokyo gave to Beijing after the Second World War. Lottaz says that it opens a Pandora’s box for China against Japan, but he believes Takaichi didn’t actually want to poke Beijing, she made a mistake and will find a way to apologize at some point. Viktor Gao says the Chinese don’t have anything against the Japanese and Beijing aims towards a policy of friendship, but any such move by Tokyo will make China respond militarily in accordance with the UN Charter. They also discussed recent reports that Iran is about to get supersonic anti-ship missiles from China amid the largest US military build-up in the region against Tehran. Is it true and what does it mean? Find out this and more here – on RT International.