The Japanese ambassador to China has finally met with Chinese diplomatic personnel, but this encounter turned out completely opposite to Japan's expectations! On July 13, according to domestic media reports, amid a freeze in Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, Liu Jinsong, head of the Department of Asian Affairs at China's Foreign Ministry, proactively arranged a meeting with the Japanese ambassador to China. Possibly, Japan interpreted this as a signal of warming in bilateral ties—especially since the Japanese ambassador had previously publicly stated that it was extremely difficult to meet with Chinese government officials and conduct substantive bilateral dialogue, with almost no meaningful exchanges taking place.
However, what Japan received was not a sign of improved relations, but rather serious consultations, expressions of dissatisfaction, and protests from our side. At the meeting, we directly conveyed to the Japanese ambassador: First, Japan bears historical responsibility regarding the South China Sea issue and has yet to come to terms with it; thus, it has no right to lecture others. Second, Japan’s malicious actions challenge the post-war international order and international rule of law, practice double standards, stir up trouble, and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Third, we raised stern representations concerning issues including Taiwan, Japan’s abandoned chemical weapons, Japanese parliamentarians making baseless remarks about China’s ethnic policies, and a series of negative developments in Japan’s military and security domains. We also issued a firm warning: China will resolutely and forcefully respond to any provocations by Japan. Clearly, due to Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi openly supporting the Philippines on the so-called South China Sea arbitration, seeking to disrupt the region and intervene with an aggressive stance, this recent immediate meeting with the Japanese ambassador appears more like an urgent diplomatic note delivered to Japan.
From the statements released, the head of China’s Department of Asian Affairs said not a single polite word to Japan. Instead, he expressed our grievances in a direct and straightforward manner, clearly characterized Japan’s behavior, and unreservedly declared that countermeasures would be taken. In short, with Japan’s current attitude, don’t expect a thaw in Sino-Japanese relations—our countermeasures against Japan are likely to escalate further.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870556157729097/
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