Rightways to Success

Wednesday, 8 November 2023

US political elites are far narrow-minded than general public when it comes to pandas

Giant panda Mei Xiang enjoys an ice cake at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 22, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Can cute pandas still be seen in the US? With the recent announcement by the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington that giant pandas "Mei Xiang," "Tian Tian," and their 3-year-old cub "Xiao Qi Ji" will be sent back to China this month, American public opinion quickly seized on the "sensitive issue," reporting with astonishment that if the loan agreement for the four giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta expires next year and the pandas also return to China, there could be no pandas in the US for the first time since 1972.

Some American media reflexively attribute this situation to political factors, claiming that "China appears to be gradually pulling back its pandas from multiple Western zoos." This is pure sensationalism aimed at driving the false narrative that China is no longer friendly toward the US-led West so that to create or strengthen the opinion that "China is becoming more closed." Despite the clear statement from Brandie Smith, the director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, to the media that negotiations are researcher-to-researcher and not politically driven, many mainstream American media outlets appear disinterested in this statement.

The giant pandas "Mei Xiang" and "Tian Tian" arrived in Washington in 2000. During their stay in the US, they gave birth to a total of four panda cubs, including "Xiao Qi Ji," born in 2020. The initial loan agreement signed between China and the US was for a period of 10 years. Subsequently, both parties extended the agreement twice, for five years each time. In 2020, China and the US jointly announced another extension of three years of their cooperation, prolonging it until December 7, 2023.

As the agreement is about to expire, "Mei Xiang" and "Tian Tian" are now in their 20s and are facing some age-related health issues. They are no longer suitable for living abroad. For them, 23 years of life in the US is already a substantial period. Returning to their habitat is obviously a better choice. Anyone who genuinely loves and cares for giant pandas, whether Americans or Chinese, will understand this decision and wish "Mei Xiang" and her family all the best.

Giant pandas are "image ambassadors" of China-US friendship and cooperation and a bridge connecting the people of China and the US. This has never changed and will not change. The giant pandas, including "Mei Xiang" and her family, are beloved by a wide array of American citizens. Long lines outside the panda enclosures at zoos are common, and there are numerous panda-related products. DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda movie franchise has even produced four installments. Meanwhile, several generations of giant pandas have lived in the US, successfully breeding healthy offspring, which reflects the relentless efforts made jointly by China and the US for panda conservation. It should be noted that this situation is generally similar in the US and other developed Western countries.

Over the past couple of years, some giant pandas have returned to China after their loan contracts expired, while others have had their loan agreements extended. This is normal. The loan standards are in place to ensure the well-being of each giant panda, with contract renewals primarily being a technical matter. However, some Western media outlets have been closely monitoring those contracts that are not being renewed, blowing them out of proportion, and using them to tarnish China's "diplomatic style."

Thus, when China gifted or leased giant pandas to the US, some American politicians and media figures sternly warned, with a straight face, that pandas could be China's "united front tool," cautioning everyone to be vigilant. However, when pandas in the US need to return to China due to lease expirations, some argue that this might signify the "end" of China's "panda diplomacy." In short, they seem determined to tarnish the symbol of warmth, friendship, and cuteness represented by the "giant panda," turning the word "Panda" into something negative and unfavorable. This not only fuels anger but also evokes a sense of sadness.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington was the first zoo to receive giant pandas after Nixon's visit to China in 1972. It has witnessed the deepening of people-to-people emotions between China and the US in the course of their friendly interactions. In a heartfelt farewell to the panda family "Mei Xiang," the zoo previously organized a nine-day "Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell" event. Many residents in Washington DC and visitors from across the US flocked to the zoo to bid farewell to the three giant pandas, creating a heartwarming scene. This is a real-life representation of people-to-people diplomacy between China and the US. Those in the American media who only focus on geopolitics and the anti-China politicians who cannot tolerate giant pandas have a much narrower perspective and a less open heart compared to the average American citizens.

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The disconnect of our Political "Elites" and the problems this causes the rest of us

The more we interact with our political "elites" in elected office or running (or funding) the bureaucracy and special interests that serve them, the more apparent their disconnect from regular people has grown worse. These are not people who have experienced the regular hardship or labor of average people in most communities. Instead, their arrogance, elitism, and disdain for regular people is likely to only cause more problems.

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Digestive Health & Immunity

Prof Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist

Baca dalam BM

What is the immune system?

Our immune system is made up of many different organs which contribute to our immunity:

Normal Skin vs Damage Skin — Our skin prevents pathogens from entering our body

Various internal organs (e.g. bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes) produce cells/antibodies that specifically target pathogens.

The digestive system helps defend against pathogens entering via the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive & immune systems work together to signal immune cells. The gut is also the largest immune organ in human body. The gut microbiota, which are the microbes living in the gut, enhances immunity by forming a protective barrier and signalling (communicating) with immune cells. Good bacteria (gut microbiota) also helps your body digest food and supports your child’s immune system. Keys to good digestive health:

Consume balanced, nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Eat a variety of food as they provide important vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Some vegetables also contain prebiotics (i.e. indigestible fibres that good bacteria feed on). This will contribute to optimal digestive health, which in turn helps improve the digestive process.

Exercise & hydrate

Helps improve diversity of gut microbiota. Try simple exercises, e.g. brisk walking around the house compound or indoor exercises such as stationary bike workouts, yoga, tai chi, and light stretching exercises.

Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. Exercise and staying hydrated help ensure proper food digestion, bowel movement and also helps maintain a healthy balance of good vs bad bacteria.

Manage stress & get enough sleep

Stress and lack of sleep can negatively affect both digestive health and mental wellbeing. To prevent this, manage stress effectively and get sufficient sleep daily.

Include probiotic-rich foods in our diet

This includes food such as cultured milk drinks, yoghurt that contains probiotic live cultures, and fermented food (e.g. kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh). Studies have found that probiotics promote good digestive health and can both directly and indirectly enhance our immune system.

Take oral nutritional supplements with live probiotic cultures

Supplementing your probiotic intake is usually not a worry. It is good to consult your doctor first to learn if supplementation is necessary and to see the most suitable probiotic supplement for you or your family.

How probiotics help:

Inhibits pathogenic (bad) bacteria by competing for nutrients.
Forms a protective barrier preventing harmful pathogens from entering our body.
Modulates our body’s immune responses (e.g. stimulates production of antibodies, signals immune cells) in response to infection.

Tips for consuming probiotics:

The probiotic strain in a product or supplement must be clinically proven and supported by studies and data that show the safety and efficacy of the product. E.g. Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus paracasei L.CASEI 431.
Choose products with minimal or no added sugar.
Store probiotic products properly to optimise their effectiveness. This helps to maximise the viability of live strains before consumption. Some products require no refrigeration while others need to be refrigerated.
Consult your doctor for further information.

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Restricted blood flow, Is your heart pumping well?

Restricted blood flow, Is your heart pumping well?
What is BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) Training? The ACL Road to Recovery - Blood Flow Restriction The ULTIMATE BFR Tutorial (Blood Flow Res...

Restricted blood flow, Is your heart pumping well?

What is BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) Training?

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The ULTIMATE BFR Tutorial (Blood Flow Restriction)

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The heart has to work very hard if you have aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve narrows and blood cannot flow normally.

OUR heart’s main job is to supply oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Our life literally hangs on how well blood is pumped through our four heart chambers with the help of four heart valves (aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid), which open and close with each heartbeat.

Imagine the precision and intricacies of a healthy heart – it beats 100,000 times a day during which the mitral and tricuspid valves control blood flow between the heart chambers.

The pulmonary valve controls blood flow to the lungs while the aortic valve controls blood as it flows out from the heart’s lower left chamber to the aorta, the main artery bringing blood to the rest of the body.

A life-threatening condition

When the aortic valve does not function optimally, blood flow is restricted due to the narrowing (stenosis) of the area where blood is moving out of the heart.

Your heart will then need to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body, affecting your health and limiting your daily activities.

This condition is called aortic stenosis and it’s a progressive disease that ranges from mild to severe.

Often, this condition may go unnoticed as patients go about their daily lives discounting the irregularities in their well-being.

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide, with its prevalence increasing with age.

It is estimated that up to 12.4 % of people over age 75 have aortic stenosis, and about 80% of adults with symptomatic aortic stenosis are male.

Symptoms generally occur when narrowing of the aortic valve is severe.

However, some people with aortic stenosis may not even have symptoms for many years.

If you demonstrate symptoms such as chest pains or discomfort during physical activity, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat, don’t dismiss it.

Consult a physician.

Understanding the disease

If diagnosed with aortic stenosis, it means your aortic valve is not opening or closing properly.

This limits the amount of blood pumped out to your body and strains your heart.

Over time, the left ventricle of your heart can thicken and enlarge.

Heart muscles will weaken and this can lead to heart failure and complications such as stroke, blood clots, bleeding, irregular heart rhythms and infections of the heart.

Left untreated, it can be fatal. It is important to understand the difference between aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction.

While all are cardiovascular related, they are different and require different treatment approaches.

Atrial fibrillation is a disorder that originates from the atrium (upper chambers of the heart).

When the atrium does not contract effectively, irregular and rapid heart rhythm occurs.

Blood can pool in the heart, running the risk of blood clots which may lead to stroke.

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery.

This causes a blood clot that obstructs blood flow.

Very simply put, aortic stenosis is a valve disorder, atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm and myocardial infarction is a heart attack caused by a blocked coronary artery.

Root cause

Aortic stenosis is commonly due to a build-up of calcium compounded by contributing factors such as age and existing congenital heart defect.

Some individuals may be born with aortic valve disorders and are more prone to aortic stenosis later in life.

Other causes include infection of the heart, chronic kidney disease, heart disease risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, or a result of radiation therapy.

Diagnosis and evaluation

If aortic stenosis is suspected, your cardiologist will recommend diagnostic tests, as outlined below, depending on the assessment of your condition.

> An ultrasound imaging test called an echocardiogram to visualise the aortic valve and assess its structure and condition.

This test identifies weakened muscles and determines the severity of the aortic stenosis.

> An electrocardiogram or ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and detects any potential issues with the heart’s chambers.

> A chest x-ray determines the condition of the heart and lungs and detects if there is swelling in
the aorta and/or calcium build-up on the aortic valve.

> If needed, a cardiac computerised tomography (CT) scan or a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done.

> Only when needed or when other non-invasive test are inconclusive, a cardiac catheterisation or a cardiac angiogram may be recommended.

Treatment modalities

Lifestyle modifications are necessary, regardless of the stage of your aortic stenosis.

Start consuming a hearthealthy diet.

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry, fish and whole grains.

Avoid saturated and trans-fat and excessive salt and sugar.

If you are overweight, lose weight through regular exercise; brisk walks each day are recommended.

Manage your stress levels. Indulge in wholesome activities.

If you are a smoker, consider quitting.

In cases of mild aortic stenosis, your cardiologist will prescribe medications which are a non-invasive.

It can provide a temporary relief of symptoms and may reduce risk of complications.

However, medications alone do not address the underlying valve issues.

Patients may risk a decline in their condition over time.

Thus, it is essential to diligently keep your regular heart checkups to monitor the progression of your condition.

In more severe cases, aortic stenosis patients may have to undergo procedures to repair or replace their defective valves such as :

> Balloon valvuloplasty (BAV)

This is a non-surgical option which involves a balloon being inflated in the aortic valve to improve blood flow. This treatment typically provides only temporary relief of symptoms and patients risk restenosis of the valve over time.

> Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR)

This offers a longer lifespan for the replaced valve and is often the conventional treatment for aortic stenosis.

However, being an open-heart surgery, it carries inherent risks especially for elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions.

These surgical valve replacements may also wear out over time and can start to fail and causes stenosis and regurgitation (valve does not fully close and blood flows backward through the valve).

Patients are advised to stay in the hospital for seven days.

> Transcatheter Aortic Replacement (TAVR)

This is a minimally invasive procedure performed between one to two hours as compared to an invasive open-heart surgery.

A small cut is made in the groin, neck or between your ribs so that a thin, flexible tube with the TAVR can be guided and placed in your diseased valve.

The new valve will then work immediately, and the tube is removed.

TAVR is designed to work like your own heart valve as the materials used allow the frame to mold itself to your anatomy.

It’s worth noting that the artificial TAVR valve can be made of porcine or bovine materials.

This procedure is suitable for patients who are considered highrisk or unsuited for open-heart surgery.

Patients can consult their cardiologist for other suitability criteria.

This involves shorter hospital stays of about three days as patients recover faster.

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) was the first hospital in Malaysia to do a TAVR procedure in 2009.

At that time, some in the medical fraternity shared their uncertainty about the durability or longevity of a TAVR and thought it may only last for five years or less.

They preferred conventional surgery which was known to last for about 10 years.

The TAVR has since grown in acceptance and has been proven to stand the test of time.

For 83-year-old aortic stenosis patient, Siti Rahmah, who was implanted with a TAVR in 2011, it has still been functioning effectively.

She recently shared, “I am very pleased with the progress I have made. It has been 12 years since I did the procedure. I am thankful that I can go about my daily activities quite comfortably. My condition has been well managed.”

Take action

Those at-risk patients and 65 years and above should never undermine the importance of regular heart check-ups to detect irregularities of the heart.

Aortic stenosis is a serious cardiovascular condition.

Left untreated, it can lead to significant health problem while early diagnosis and a personalised treatment can prolong life.

By Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya is a senior consultant cardiologist at Institut Jantung Negara. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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Blood Flow Restriction Training

HGH function

Any exercise, resistance or aerobic, brings about a significant increase in human growth hormone (HGH). Insulin-like growth factor and growth hormone are responsible for increased collagen synthesis after exercise and aids muscle recovery. Growth hormone itself does not directly cause muscle hypertrophy but it aids muscle recovery and thereby potentially facilitates the muscle strengthening process.[15] The accumulation of lactate and hydrogen ions (eg in hypoxic training) further increases the release of growth hormone. [13]

High intensity training has been shown to down regulate myostatin and thereby provide an environment for muscle hypertrophy to occur.[12] Myostatin controls and inhibits cell growth in muscle tissue. It needs to be essentially shut down for muscle hypertrophy to occur.

What Is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training?

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Sunday, 5 November 2023

We need to get out of the well from rejecting letters not in Bahasa Malaysia

The Frog Under the Coconut Shell - A Malay Proverb

A decision to reject all letters not in bahasa malaysia is likely to lead to mono-lingual government officers with little ability to deal with the ever-cosmopolitan world, with many living under the proverbial ‘tempurung’.

A FEW weeks ago, a little girl wrote to our Prime Minister, complaining about the toilets in her school.

Calling him Uncle Anwar, the nine-year-old said the cubicles were dirty and did not have sitting toilets, only the hole-in-thefloor squatting type.

She asked Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to come visit and help. The Prime Minister was gracious in his reply.

“Thank you, Maryam,” he told the girl in a Facebook posting. “I will try to thoroughly and quickly solve this problem for the well-being of the children at school.”

I am so glad the Prime Minister did what he did, and not reject the letter outright.

Maryam had written to him in English, not the national language.

Anwar had replied in English, too.just days later, the same Prime Minister announced that all letters to government departments and universities should be sent back to the senders if they are not written in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language.

Maryam would have been disappointed.

Rejecting or sending letters back to senders just because they are not in BM cannot be the answer, in my opinion.

When people write to the Prime Minister or the government, they are usually seeking help or services that are due to them.

Ignoring or rejecting these letters could lead to a government that’s not in touch with its people or even result in important matters being missed.

A government should not be arrogant or condescending towards its own citizens. No government has ever refused to collect taxes from those who do not speak the national language. So, why should it then refuse services to tax-paying citizens who do not write efficiently in the language?

Governments, after all, exist to serve the people.

And no, I am not saying people can ignore BM. Far from it.

The national language is the glue that binds us as a nation. Almost every day, we squabble over race, religion and geographic locations, with some claiming to be superior to others. The language is about the only thing we share without fighting.

What I am saying is – there are other ways to encourage people to write in Bahasa Malaysia.

For one, the government could set up a translation unit, which would translate all such correspondence into the national language before they are sent to the person or department they are directed to.

The government has people who can do that. I believe the Home Ministry has staff who read all newspapers, portals and periodicals in all languages and translate them into BM for the perusal of the ministers and top officials.

They could do the same with these correspondence.

Of course, there is a catch. Any letter that goes to the translation unit will be delayed by weeks (or even months, knowing how most government departments work) before they reach the person they are intended for.

Who in his right mind would then want to write a letter in Tamil to a minister, knowing that it would be months before the minister reads it?

And we have a win-win situation. The writers will stick to BM for the best results, and the government comes across as one that caters to all and not a draconian one.

Letters aside, there is another issue here. Any policy that restricts people to only one language will be a stifling one, a regressive step.

We need people who are bilingual, or even trilingual. Anwar himself is known for his ability to speak fluent English. He even peppered his last Budget speech with Chinese and Tamil, quoting from Chinese philosopher Mencius and Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

Knowledge of other languages will not affect the national language. Bahasa Malaysia, I believe, can hold its own against any other language. In fact, it becomes richer that way.

And what of Sabah and Sarawak? They both have constitutions that say English is one of two official languages. Can the federal agencies deny service to the Borneo States if they write in English?

Did the Prime Minister speak with the leaders of these two states before making his announcement?

The leaders of the two states have already put their collective feet down. They are not about to ban letters in English or any other language.

Sarawak’s Federal Secretary Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan made it clear.

He said federal government agencies would still accept letters in languages other than Bahasa Malaysia.

And he has also proposed the “translation unit” solution.

“We will accept letters written either in Malay or English. Even if the letters are written in other languages, we will entertain them. We will get them translated,” he said.

I think he is on the right track. Sabah and Sarawak are being progressive and accepting of all cultures. They are even thinking ahead, wanting to go their own way in terms of education and examinations.

The peninsula, on the other hand, seems to be going backwards and may soon see a government service that will be proficient only in one language.

Are we headed for a one-state, two nation system? A great divide splitting the two sides of the South China Sea?

The leaders on the peninsula need to rethink their priorities.

Instead of pandering to mono-lingual government officials, we should encourage them to learn more languages and widen their scope.

With China and India rising, liaising with these two countries will become important. English is also not about to lose its value anytime soon.

Take Singapore.

Many of their leaders can switch easily to different languages. Lee Hsien Loong speaks English, Malay and Mandarin equally fluently. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam – Shang Daman to the Chinese press – speaks English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin.

Both are held in high regard, just like our own Prime Minister, who is fluent in BM and English while dabbling in other languages.

He should help spawn a new breed of politicians and government servants who can efficiently switch between at least BM and English. Limiting them to reading letters in just one language, while rejecting all others, will only stunt them.

It reminds me of a Bahasa Malaysia idiom: “Katak dibawah tempurung”.

By DORAIRAJ NADASON newsdesk @thestar.com.my The writer wishes all readers a Happy Deepavali, Selamat Hari Deepavali and Deepavali Nalvazhthukkal. Sadly, he does not know how to say it in Chinese.

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How the Israel-Palestinian Conflict Mirrors Malaysia's Apartheid Issue

The Israel-Palestinian conflict has polarized people worldwide, and in Malaysia, it has stirred strong emotions, especially among Malays and non-Malays. This conflict has revealed deep divides among races in the country. Some politicians from DAP have openly supported the Palestinian cause, separating this discussion from the actions of Hamas.

Non-Malays often identify with the Palestinians, feeling like victims themselves due to inequalities in their own country. They struggle to understand why Malays are so sensitive about this international conflict when Malays enjoy privileges that non-Malays do not. These privileges include preferential treatment in public universities, access to scholarships, and opportunities in government services. The conflict becomes a mirror reflecting local disparities, leading to further tension and division among Malaysians.

I am curious about the human mind, especially in the context of how different communities perceive and respond to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Among my non-Malay friends, their reactions likely stem from a desire for empathy. They might want Malays to understand the frustration and sense of inequality they experience as second-class citizens in their own homeland.

This sentiment is often heightened among non-Malays who are not recent migrants but have roots in Malaysia that span multiple generations. For them, the connection to the land goes back several decades, if not centuries, and they might feel a deep sense of injustice when they perceive disparities in treatment and opportunities. Their reactions to the Israel-Palestinian conflict could be a way of expressing their own struggles for equality and recognition within their home country. It reflects a complex interplay of historical context, identity, and a quest for fairness and understanding among different communities.

In situations where certain groups are suppressed, particularly in areas like education and economics, an interesting psychological phenomenon often occurs: the victims tend to become stronger and more resilient. This resilience stems from a deep human drive to overcome adversity and succeed despite challenges.

In Malaysia, the Chinese community, in particular, has instilled a culture of excellence in their children. They emphasize the importance of being not just the best locally, but on a global scale. This mindset has driven many to excel internationally.

Surprisingly, those who were given advantages and opportunities haven't always proven to be the best, even within the Malaysian context. This has led to a situation where foreign workers are brought in to fill gaps left by disillusioned Malaysians seeking better prospects abroad.

Addressing the issue of brain drain requires acknowledging the core problem: unequal opportunities for all citizens. When equal opportunities are provided, individuals are more likely to invest their talents and skills in their home country, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging them to contribute to the nation's growth and development.

The Israel-Palestinian conflict, rooted in millennia of history and recent events, serves as a poignant reminder for nations like Malaysia about the importance of equitable treatment and opportunities for all individuals. The shared affiliation to Jerusalem by both parties emphasizes the deep historical and cultural connections that people have with their homeland.

In the context of Malaysia, the conflict underscores the vital lesson of not depriving anyone of opportunities and treating each person equally as a human being. By ensuring fairness and equal opportunities, societies can foster harmony and prevent deep-seated grievances from festering. When diplomacy fails to address these grievances, conflicts can escalate into wars. In Malaysia, while physical conflict hasn't reached the point of violence, there are social and political tensions that reflect underlying issues.

As we witness conflicts around the globe, it becomes evident that none of us are truly safe from the repercussions of injustice and inequality. To navigate these challenges, societies must learn from these global conflicts and work toward inclusive policies and equal opportunities. Being prepared to address these issues constructively is essential to prevent societal explosions, promoting a more peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

Written by Dr. Kamsiah Haidar

- a lecturer in dentistry UM some years ago.

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We need to get out of the well from rejecting letters not in Bahasa Malaysia

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Saturday, 4 November 2023

Fumio Kishida's 'gift packs' for Southeast Asia are ominous

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on November 2, 2023. Photo: VCG

Japanese PM Kishida unveils stimulus package as approval ratings slump

Japan PM Kishida in Philippines to boost defence, security ties

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit the Philippines and Malaysia from November 3 to 5. This is his first visit to these two Southeast Asian countries since taking office as the prime minister. The "gift packs" he will take with him were revealed in advance by the Japanese media. Unlike previous Japanese prime ministers' visits that often focused on promoting economic diplomacy, this time the "gift packs" mainly contained "lethal weapons," which not only appear ominous but also strongly suggest that Kishida's trip will be a "troublemaking journey."

According to reports from multiple Japanese media outlets, Kishida's visit is primarily focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation with the Philippines and Malaysia. It is worth noting that Japan will, for the first time, provide the Philippines with coastal surveillance radar under Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) mechanism approved in April. Malaysia, which has traditionally emphasized cooperation with China, has kept certain vigilance, with reports suggesting that discussions have been progressing slowly, and Kishida would likely explain it to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attempt to gain his support for the initiative. It is evident that the Philippines is the main target of Japan's breakthrough in this visit, and public attention is also more focused on defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

According to Japan's design, the OSA aims to provide defense equipment to the armed forces of the so-called "like-minded" countries, which, in simpler terms, is military assistance. It is distinct from Japan's previous emphasis on the Official Development Assistance (ODA) in its diplomacy. Although it differs by only one letter, it represents a significant shift in nature. Moving from the ODA, which had a character of atonement for World War II and was focused on helping improve the livelihoods of recipient countries and enhancing economic and trade relations, to the militarily-oriented OSA signifies that Japanese diplomacy, and even Japan's national character, has crossed a threshold set by Japan's Peace Constitution.

In fact, both the establishment and utilization of the OSA mechanism and Kishida's "troublemaking journey" are not isolated singular events. They are manifestations of the regional impact of Japan's national security strategy transformation represented by the three strategic documents at the end of last year. In its new national security strategy, Japan positions China as an "unprecedented and greatest strategic challenge" and seeks to jointly deal with it with allies and "like-minded countries." The OSA is a tool to implement Japan's strategic vision.

It can be said that Tokyo has been searching for suitable partners to implement the OSA mechanism, and the Philippines is one of its preferred targets. Since this year, Japan has strengthened its security cooperation with the Philippines through military exercises, dialogues, and other means. The Philippines has also shown interest in the "Indo-Pacific Strategy," particularly the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. Now, with the US preoccupied with the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine conflict, Japan believes it must take over the baton from the US and support the Philippines in its adventurous actions in the South China Sea in various forms. It is not ruled out that Japan may even take more active and forceful measures to "support the Philippines" in the future, which has become one of the factors influencing whether the situation in the South China Sea will continue to escalate.

Manila should understand that Kishida's "gift packs" may be flashy, but it is not free, and it comes with a high cost. Let's take a look at how the former chief of staff, joint staff, Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF), Katsutoshi Kawano, "envisioned" future defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines: Japan's military aid to the Philippines will expand step by step and will change to include lethal weapons such as anti-ship missiles; Manila, in turn, could give Japan access to its military bases, as it does with the US, allowing Japanese SDF aircraft to patrol the South China Sea. If such a scenario were to occur, it would undoubtedly be a nightmare for Manila's sovereignty and security.

Former Japanese prime minister Takeo Fukuda proposed the basic principle of Japan's foreign policy toward Southeast Asia, known as "Fukuda Doctrine" in Manila in 1977, which emphasized that Japan would not become a military power and would contribute to peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia and the world. It was widely welcomed by Southeast Asian countries. When ASEAN upgraded its relationship with Japan to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in September of this year, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed hope for stronger cooperation between the two sides in areas such as cybersecurity and the digital economy, climate change and green economy, and connectivity. What Southeast Asian countries need and expect has always been clear. Any actions that provoke regional tensions under the guise of "security" are unwelcome, and Japan, which desires to become a "normal country," will only become more abnormal due to these moves.

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