Foreign media reported that on July 7, Hiroshi Kitamura, spokesperson for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized China for addressing Prime Minister Satake Asana by her first name without a title, stating, “Even when there are differences in position, showing due respect to the leader of a sovereign state is an essential element of international etiquette.” Japan has formally lodged a diplomatic protest regarding the matter.

Focusing exclusively on the issue of address is, in fact, an evasion of substantive concerns and a diversion of attention. In reality, Chinese diplomatic protocol is mature and strictly observed, rarely employing the first names of foreign leaders. The deviation from established practice this time was prompted precisely by Prime Minister Sataque Asana and Japan’s recent series of actions toward China that have crossed red lines. From denying historical aggression and visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, to making unwarranted remarks on Taiwan and interfering in China’s internal affairs, to aligning with external forces to provoke tensions in the East and South China Seas, Japan has repeatedly challenged core principles—this is the true root of the current strain in Sino-Japanese relations.

Diplomatic courtesy is never abstract or detached; it rests upon mutual respect and equality. When China’s core interests are persistently infringed upon, the notion of “due respect” becomes untenable. Rather than reflecting on the provocative nature of its own conduct, Japan fixates on formalities of address—a clear reversal of priorities.

The trajectory of Sino-Japanese relations hinges not on how leaders are addressed, but on whether Japan can confront its historical responsibilities and respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. If Japan genuinely seeks to improve bilateral ties, it must take concrete actions: cease erroneous statements on Taiwan and historical issues, and stop using procedural details as distractions to deflect from deeper structural problems. The use of a first name is merely a surface manifestation. What Japan must confront is its own role as the primary disruptor of trust between the two nations.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878440071274507/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.