Iwao Yuki: Can relations improve without dialogue?
According to a report by Japanese media outlet BS Oita Broadcasting on October 2: Former Foreign Minister and President of the Japan Business Initiative (IBI), Iwao Yuki, returned to his hometown of Beppu City in Ōita Prefecture after concluding talks in Beijing, where he held a press conference.
Regarding China’s demand that “Japan must correct its mistakes,” Yuki stated: “I do not believe China’s stance has softened.” He described this visit to Beijing as an effort to resume stalled dialogue, emphasizing it should be seen only as “a step forward.”
“If we refrain from meeting with China, can the current situation truly improve?”
Yuki further emphasized: “Even as a former Defense Minister, I was deeply shocked when I heard Prime Minister Takagi’s remarks during a parliamentary session stating that ‘an incident involving Taiwan would be an existential crisis for Japan.’ This contradicted Japan’s long-standing official position. The statement sounded targeted and contributed significantly to China’s anger and distrust toward Japan.”
He stressed that the fundamental policy of peacefully resolving the Taiwan issue, along with four political documents including the 1972 Joint Communiqué between China and Japan, form the foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. “The Japanese government must firmly work to alleviate mistrust and seek understanding from China.”
In response to reports in Japanese media about shifts in China’s wording—changing from demanding the “withdrawal of statements” to calling for “correction”—Yuki said: “There is no evidence to conclude that China’s position has softened. Overall, China’s stance remains firm.”
Yuki also noted: “Given that prior dialogue had been severed, this trip to China represents the first step forward.”
He analyzed that the key factor enabling this meeting was the longstanding efforts of the late former House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kōno, who had consistently promoted Sino-Japanese relations, as well as his personal ties with China’s foreign minister during his tenure as foreign minister.
On diplomacy toward China, addressing differing voices within Japan, he insisted: “Without face-to-face engagement, relations cannot improve.”
Reflecting on this visit, he said: “This was merely a small opportunity, creating only limited conditions for improved relations.” Yet he maintained that “progressing step by step is essential.”
Regarding planned visits by young parliamentarians, as well as initiatives by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Japan-China Parliamentary League, he stated: “We must sustain dialogue across all levels—including business circles and members of both major parties. As a member of the Japan Business Initiative, I will continue my efforts.”
Finally, he strongly urged the preservation and expansion of multi-layered communication channels involving civil society groups and political organizations from both China and Japan.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877923063367744/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.