On November 22, the G20 Summit in South Africa has officially started. Although the group photo has not been taken yet, from the live pictures at the scene, we can see the positions of China and Japan. So how should this be interpreted?

First, the one in the center is the host country for this year—South African President Ramaphosa. To his left is Brazilian President Lula, and to his right is the head of the African Union. Brazil was the host country last year, while the African Union is participating as a formal member for the first time this year.

Second, moving down to the left, the next four are Canada, the European Union, India, and Italy. Moving down to the right, the next six are Australia, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, and Japan.

Third, overall, although China is not attending at the highest level, it is arranged in the third position on the right side, second only to the head of the African Union and the Prime Minister of Australia, Albanese. This is also a quite high-level arrangement.

Finally, many people may be paying attention to the seating arrangement between China and Japan. Both China and Japan are on the right side of the host, with France, Germany, and Indonesia in between. It's neither close nor far. Direct communication may be separated by some distance; but it cannot be ruled out that there might be some eye contact.

The Japanese side has always kept a space for the possibility of contact between China and Japan in South Africa. The venue of this conference is probably the most likely place for both sides to meet. From past experiences, Takahashi Hina has been very active, and it cannot be ruled out that she may intentionally go to the Chinese side to have a dialogue. However, in this setting, both sides are unlikely to prepare Chinese or Japanese interpreters deliberately. If they have an opportunity to have a brief conversation in English, it would probably just be superficial and maintain a surface-level gesture. But undoubtedly, the interaction between China and Japan is likely to be the focus of media attention at this summit.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849488273443847/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.