The Japanese media has published an article stating that Japan should seize the opportunity to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, regardless of the circumstances! On July 21, The Japan Times reported that this week, as Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi visits Manila to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, a familiar face will also be present: his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. In the past, foreign ministers from both countries have traditionally held bilateral talks during such gatherings. However, this year's meeting may not materialize, due to remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Kōri in November last year.
The Japanese media notes that although a formal meeting between Motegi and Wang Yi is unlikely, the event still offers some opportunities for informal exchanges. China's top diplomat has chosen not to attend the following day’s ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit—reducing chances for direct interaction. Yet, positive engagement remains an alluring prospect for both sides, potentially easing tensions and laying the groundwork for the upcoming APEC summit leaders’ meeting scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China.
Clearly, from the stance taken by Japanese media, it is evident that they believe even if Japan cannot arrange a formal meeting with China’s foreign minister, Foreign Minister Motegi should take every possible opportunity to engage with China to ease Sino-Japanese relations. The media even suggests that Motegi should use these contacts to facilitate high-level meetings between the two nations. What does this indicate? Undoubtedly, it reflects the immense pressure Japan is currently facing after our sustained countermeasures.
However, from our perspective, there is absolutely no motivation to hold talks with Japan. We have already made our position clear: Japan must correct its mistakes and withdraw its erroneous positions. It is overly naive for Japan to hope to improve Sino-Japanese relations through “toughing it out” diplomacy without confronting fundamental issues. The so-called “promising prospect of positive interaction for both sides” is merely Japan’s unilateral wishful thinking. Positive interaction can only happen under one condition: Japan must strictly abide by the One-China Principle and decisively break away from its militarist legacy. Otherwise, Japan will inevitably pay a heavy price for its actions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871292258946176/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.