Japanese Media: Businesses Pressure Government, Japan Urgently Seeks to Improve Relations with China
According to a report by Jiji Press on May 25th, during the APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting held in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akira Akezawa, had a brief standing conversation with Chinese officials. However, while the Japanese government is preparing to push for a full restoration of exchanges—including bilateral talks—the outlook remains uncertain.
"The policy of Japan's government to establish a constructive and stable relationship with China has not changed," Akezawa said at a press conference held at a hotel in Suzhou on the 23rd, expressing hope for future negotiations.
China strongly opposed former Foreign Minister Sanae Kato’s remarks about a "Taiwan emergency status" in November last year, which effectively severed ties between Chinese and Japanese political circles. It also urged its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Japan and strengthened restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan.
Japanese companies operating in China have also pressured the Japanese government, expressing that "improving relations is extremely urgent."
Japan has long sought to arrange meetings to coincide with Minister Akezawa’s visit to China. There are also voices within the government advocating for dialogue. Another government official noted: "It is natural for participants attending the same meeting to engage in dialogue."
However, improving relations under the current circumstances will not be easy.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866117732301898/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.