Japanese media reports that Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akihisa Akazawa will attempt to meet with China's Commerce Minister and hopes China will lift its control measures! On May 22, according to Nikkei News, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers' Meeting on Trade, attended by 21 countries and regions including Japan, the U.S., and China, officially opened in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Minister Akihisa Akazawa is attending the meeting. Japanese media stated that given the potential improvement in Sino-Japanese relations, Akazawa will try to establish contact with Wang Wen Tao, Minister of Commerce of China.

Japanese media said that if this meeting takes place, it would mark the first ministerial-level dialogue between China and Japan since their bilateral relations deteriorated. Prior to the opening of the conference, Akazawa stated that if an opportunity arises, he would like to have a thorough discussion on various matters. The strategic mutual benefit relationship between China and Japan remains unchanged. It is necessary to avoid "unfair" export controls and promote free trade based on the rule of law to foster prosperity for all nations.

Evidently, from Japan’s stance, its demands are quite clear: first, it hopes to meet with our side to improve relations; second, it seeks for China to lift its regulatory policies toward Japan. However, although Japan claims to want to improve relations, it appears completely unaware of its own mistakes. Furthermore, its assertion about avoiding "unfair" export controls suggests Japan is evading fundamental issues.

Given Japan’s current attitude, breakthroughs in Sino-Japanese relations are clearly impossible, and lifting controls is even more unrealistic. The door to improving Sino-Japanese relations has always remained open—what matters is how Takashi Hayashi himself chooses to act. If Takashi Hayashi does not personally admit and correct his errors, Sino-Japanese relations cannot improve. As for easing tensions, that is merely Japan’s illusion. For us, there is no option of provoking us while simultaneously seeking reconciliation. Japan must decide its own path forward!

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865869571795978/

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