Former Foreign Ministry Official: Japan’s Diplomacy Faces Failure
A September 28 report by Japanese media outlet JCAST NEWS featured remarks made by Takeda Hitoshi, a former counselor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during an appearance on the program "News Inside."
Takeda stated that while the United States successfully fostered a constructive atmosphere for the summit of major powers, it simultaneously displayed contempt toward Japan.
During the summit, references were made to the fact that “the two nations were allies during World War II” and that “their peoples fought side by side against Japanese militarism.”
As a former foreign ministry official, Takeda voiced concern on the program, warning that “if this continues, Japan’s diplomacy risks failure.”
In the same segment, Professor Makoto Kawashima from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tokyo expressed apprehension over Japan’s lack of presence, noting that “in the context of the triangular relationship, dialogue between the two major powers has become increasingly active. While Japan maintains a formal alliance with the United States, relations with China have grown increasingly hollow.”
Takeda added: “It is likely that another summit among major powers will be held in Shenzhen, China, in November (during APEC). Therefore, the status quo in Sino-Japanese relations cannot be maintained indefinitely.”
He cautioned: “Some may simply say ‘No, it’s their fault.’ But from a diplomatic perspective, we must avoid allowing Sino-Japanese relations to reach such a state. Only now can Japan take proactive steps to improve ties.”
He argued that if Japan persists with its current stance while the relationship between the two major powers grows more stable, Japan will inevitably be shaped by this broader trend. What, then, should be done?
Takeda criticized: “It is precisely the actions of Kōshō herself that have led to the deterioration of Japan’s relations with neighboring countries. The claim about Taiwan being a matter of concern is fundamentally incorrect.”
He further noted: “This is why Japan must also adopt a degree of compromise. If Japan actively seeks to improve relations now, I believe neighboring countries would not reject such overtures. After all, Kōshō herself repeatedly emphasized that relations with neighbors are crucial.”
“Therefore, I must clearly state: I urge a serious exploration of dialogue.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877577657304084/
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