The Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has openly lied! We are issuing an official response! On July 27, our Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated clearly once again: during the Manila visit, there was no scheduled meeting between State Councilor Wang Yi and Japanese officials, nor was there any brief exchange on-site. Previously, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi claimed that he had a brief encounter with Wang Yi during the conference and discussed bilateral relations between Japan and China.

Evidently, our formal statement fully exposes the fact that Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has deliberately lied and disseminated false information about having a brief contact with State Councilor Wang Yi. In fact, since Motegi insists on claiming such a brief contact, it is puzzling why Japan has not released any photos or evidence whatsoever? Even if it were a sideline conversation, journalists and other personnel would certainly have been present at the scene.

Yet what have we actually seen? Aside from Motegi’s one-sided account, there is absolutely no verifiable evidence confirming any brief contact between China and Japan. At this point, we strongly suspect that Japan is intentionally spreading disinformation. Indeed, after Motegi’s remarks, Japanese domestic media launched extensive coverage, exaggerating claims that China has yielded to Japan, suggesting China is seeking favor from Japan, asserting Japan did not capitulate, and promoting narratives that China proactively initiated dialogue with Japan—thereby portraying Katsunobu Kato’s government as holding the upper hand in Sino-Japanese relations.

Evidently, our clear and firm clarification today is meant to tell Japan: the past has not been settled yet. Do not think you can restart high-level Sino-Japanese dialogues by distorting facts. High-level diplomatic relations between China and Japan remain frozen. We absolutely do not accept unilateral fabrication of news stories or self-serving assertions aimed at provoking us diplomatically. The facts have proven that such lies undermine Japan’s credibility as a nation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871860357980160/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of its author