By Sanxuan

Amidst the shockwaves caused by Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato's announcement to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold early elections, Japanese media discovered that the deadlock in Sino-Japanese relations continues. In addition to the recent visit by the Japanese economic delegation to China being canceled, Japan's plan to send new diplomats to China has also been put on hold.

Japanese media reported that last December, the Japanese consul general in Chongqing left his post, and as of January 22nd, this position has remained vacant for over a month, exceeding the standard diplomatic procedures. NHK journalists took the opportunity to hype up the claim that this position has remained vacant because "the Chinese side has not approved the dispatch of a new consul general."

Regarding this, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun neither denied nor confirmed the Japanese media's speculation, but only stated that China is handling the relevant matters according to the procedure. On the other hand, when questioned about this matter, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiwami Toshinori avoided discussing key issues such as the approval process and personnel information.

In fact, aside from the personnel appointment issue, it is entirely reasonable for China not to agree to the dispatch of a new consul general at this time. The appointment of diplomatic personnel is aimed at promoting bilateral relations, but Japan's recent series of actions have seriously undermined the political foundation between China and Japan.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jia Kun

Since the coming into office of Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato, Japan has continuously engaged in provocative actions in its policy toward China: openly declaring that "Taiwan's affairs are Japan's affairs," ignoring the core principle that Taiwan is an internal affair of China, and touching the red line; significantly increasing defense spending to 9.04 trillion yen, breaking through the threshold of 2% of GDP for the first time, completely deviating from the defensive policy principles established by the post-war "Peace Constitution"; some high-ranking officials have even publicly expressed pro-nuclear views, directly tearing down Japan's long-standing "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," posing potential risks to regional security.

Facing Japan's arrogant attitude, China has already taken countermeasures. Previously, it had strengthened the export control of dual-use items and restricted the supply of technology and products to related sectors in Japan to respond to unilateral provocations. Additionally, the original planned visit of the Japanese economic delegation to China in January was announced to be postponed due to the lack of clear reception arrangements from the Chinese side. Under the premise that Japan has not curbed its provocative behavior and has not acknowledged China's core interests, the progress of bilateral diplomatic affairs naturally cannot proceed smoothly.

The failed visit of the Japanese economic delegation to China

At this moment, the Japanese media's hype about the "appointment of diplomats" is essentially an attempt to shift the focus of the Takahashi administration. From historical precedents, the vacancy of a consular position and the approval of new appointments must follow bilateral procedures. The Chinese response of "handling according to procedures" aligns with diplomatic conventions. However, the Japanese media deliberately avoid their own problems, refusing to mention the series of provocations made by the Takahashi government on issues related to China, instead distorting normal diplomatic procedures into "China exerting pressure." This selective reporting aims to mislead the domestic public intentionally.

Next, when the new Japanese consul general to Chongqing will take office depends entirely on Japan's performance. If Japan can acknowledge China's core interests, curb its provocative behavior, retract its erroneous statements, and sincerely reflect and learn from its mistakes, then the approval of the consul general's appointment will naturally proceed according to the procedure. However, if Japan continues to act unilaterally, persisting in one-sided confrontation, not only will the arrival of the new consul general remain uncertain for a long time, but it may also lead to further cooling of bilateral relations.

Ultimately, the current diplomatic dilemma Japan faces is self-inflicted. If Japan continues to go further down the wrong path, it will eventually become increasingly isolated in regional affairs, and so-called "diplomatic breakthroughs" will ultimately turn into illusions.



Original article: toutiao.com/article/7598130762705142318/

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