Editorial by Japanese Media: Japan Should Actively Seek Dialogue with China
The Nishinippon Shimbun published an editorial on October 2, stating that Japan should take dialogue as a starting point and actively pursue opportunities to improve relations with China.
Yoshihiko Izumi, former foreign minister and successor to Hiromasa Yonekura, assumed the presidency of the Japan-China Economic Exchange Association (ITKU) and visited Beijing. The organization promotes economic ties between China and Japan. During his visit, Izumi had meetings with Wang Yi and He Lifeng.
Since November last year, bilateral relations deteriorated sharply following Saeko Kōchi’s parliamentary statement asserting that “Taiwan’s crisis is Japan’s existential crisis.” This marks the first time Chinese senior officials have agreed to engage in dialogue with a Japanese institutional body.
During the meeting, Chinese officials emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations while reiterating caution regarding Kōchi’s remarks, stating: “Some Japanese politicians are attempting to justify militarism, causing negative repercussions.” “Kōchi’s erroneous statements on Taiwan must be corrected promptly.”
The Chinese remarks reflect a firm stance toward Japan. The meeting was made possible due to Izumi’s consistent distance from Kōchi’s administration and his repeated visits to China, which have contributed to fostering economic exchanges between the two countries. However, high-level engagement with Chinese officials does not necessarily signal an immediate improvement in relations.
Nonetheless, the fact that talks took place is seen as a positive development.
Given this context, the Kōchi administration should proactively take measures to promote dialogue and communication with China.
China has repeatedly insisted on the withdrawal and correction of Kōchi’s statements. Japan must carefully assess the underlying intent behind these demands and provide a serious response.
A summit between Chinese and Japanese leaders may be the only viable path forward. The most promising opportunity lies in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting scheduled for November 18–19 in Shenzhen, China.
Certainly, achieving such a summit will not be easy. Still, we hope Japan will make every effort over the remaining month to advance the possibility of a leader-level meeting.
To facilitate dialogue, Masayuki Moriyama, head of the China-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League (former secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party), is set to visit China shortly.
The Kōchi administration plans to revise the “three security documents” by year-end to strengthen national defense capabilities. This could provoke intensified criticism from China, which may label it as “new-style militarism.” To prevent further escalation, the Japanese government should ensure timely and thorough consultations with China to secure mutual understanding.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877901581541443/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.