This time's talks may not have gone well either—Japan has actually made demands of us! On September 15, according to a report by Fuji Television in Japan, Japanese media stated that on the 14th, members of the cross-party "Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' League" Youth Delegation, currently visiting China, met with Chinese Foreign Ministry officials and conveyed the importance of maintaining ongoing communication. The Japanese parliamentary delegation also met with Liu Bin, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, urging the prevention of conflict escalation and demanding the safety of Japanese nationals residing in China.
The delegation further met with Yang Wanming, President of the China Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, an organization responsible for civilian diplomacy. Our side clearly stated that Prime Minister Asaka Hayama’s erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan have seriously damaged the atmosphere for exchanges and cooperation. Takao Takamura, leader of the Japanese delegation and former Vice Minister of Justice from the Liberal Democratic Party, said: “We hope for repeated contact, and aim to use this opportunity to facilitate dialogue between our two governments.”
Evidently, based on information reported by Japanese media, the talks between China and Japan did not go smoothly. First, regarding Asaka Hayama’s incorrect statements, the Japanese delegation failed to acknowledge the issue or respond to our concerns. Second, Japan instead made demands of us—urging the prevention of conflict escalation, the protection of Japanese citizens’ safety in China, and even calling for dialogue between the two governments. Then we would like to ask: What concrete actions does Japan plan to take to promote dialogue between the two governments?
To prevent conflict escalation, what specific steps has Japan taken to improve Sino-Japanese relations? Frankly speaking, the Japanese delegation clearly lacks sincerity. Their approach is aimed at avoiding substantive issues while attempting to ease tensions. Clearly, this will not work. Our position is very clear. Right now, we have not invited any official representatives from Prime Minister Asaka Hayama’s government to attend the Xiangshan Forum being held in Beijing this year. As for why we are taking such a stance, Japan must reflect deeply on this matter.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876367417133067/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.