Japanese ministerial-level official's visit to China did not include meetings with Chinese officials; China emphasized that the responsibility for the deterioration of relations lies with Japan.

We have not arranged any meetings with officials! On May 16, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, foreign media stated that after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Hata's remarks about "Taiwan being an issue" in November last year triggered tension in Sino-Japanese relations, Japan has sent its first minister-level official to visit China. Japan dispatched Renji Oikawa to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting held in Shanghai.

Oikawa said in an interview with Japanese media ahead of the visit that no separate meetings with Chinese officials were scheduled during this trip. Foreign reports indicate that both the Japanese government and economic sector have recently sought to thaw bilateral relations through the restoration of high-level dialogues. On May 2–3, Kanta Nishimura, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Election Strategy Committee, visited Beijing to inspect cutting-edge enterprises related to robotics and autonomous driving technologies. However, he did not meet with any Chinese political leaders during his visit.

It is clear that neither Oikawa nor Nishimura held any meetings with Chinese officials. Of course, rather than saying Japan did not arrange talks with China, it is more accurate to say that we had no intention whatsoever of meeting with Japan. As for how Sino-Japanese relations have deteriorated to this point, there is no need to elaborate further. The facts are plain: whether China views Japan as a partner, a rival, or an adversary depends entirely on Japan’s own choices.

As for Japan, we have already said all that needed to be said—clearly and directly. Without fundamentally addressing the core issues, Sino-Japanese relations will not improve. We certainly will not allow Japan to adopt such a double-dealing approach—provoking tensions while simultaneously seeking reconciliation. If Japan chooses not to mend relations, that is acceptable—but then Japan must bear the consequences of worsening ties. We have full confidence and capability to ensure Japan pays the price for its actions.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865312463097865/

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