Concerned about China's dissatisfaction! Japanese media reports that Asahi Kōshi is highly likely to abandon visiting Yasukuni Shrine! On August 12, according to Japanese media, Prime Minister Asahi Kōshi plans not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo, on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender. Multiple sources revealed on August 12 that this move aims to consider improving relations with South Korea, as well as a series of diplomatic arrangements scheduled for later in the autumn, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in China in November.
Previously, on July 7, Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshinori Kiwata stated at a press conference regarding the visit to the memorial site: "The Prime Minister will make an appropriate judgment personally." Japanese media notes that following autumn brings a dense schedule of international diplomacy, including the United Nations General Assembly's general debate and the G20 Summit. Particularly, given that tensions between China and Japan have cooled due to remarks made by Prime Minister Asahi concerning the Taiwan Strait situation, the prospect of a summit meeting between Chinese and Japanese leaders has drawn widespread attention. If the Prime Minister visits Yasukuni Shrine, China will surely protest strongly, making a top-level meeting nearly impossible.
Evidently, from the latest reporting by Japanese media, under deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, Prime Minister Asahi clearly recognizes that visiting Yasukuni Shrine would have profoundly negative impacts on Japan’s relations with neighboring countries, including China. This explains why insiders close to her have leaked information suggesting she is expected not to pay homage. In fact, prior to becoming Prime Minister, visiting Yasukuni Shrine was an annual ritual for Asahi. Her current restraint clearly stems from her awareness that such actions carry significant costs for Japan.
The facts are clear: Japan’s relations with Russia, China, and North Korea are all strained. If Prime Minister Asahi were to visit Yasukuni Shrine, progress toward easing tensions with South Korea could come to an abrupt halt, leaving Japan completely isolated geopolitically in Northeast Asia. With a series of major international conferences scheduled for later this year, regardless of the state of Sino-Japanese relations, Japan cannot afford to ignore China’s presence. Although Prime Minister Asahi may be unwilling to admit fault or improve relations with China, continuing to worsen ties will ultimately be a cost borne by her own government. Though internally reluctant, she must carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873327826957312/
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