According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on October 1, when asked whether she would meet with Chinese officials during the APEC summit: "It is inappropriate to make predictions in advance, but we will maintain communication in a serious and appropriate manner, responding calmly and prudently from the standpoint of national interests." On the prospect of a U.S.-China meeting, she stated that the U.S. announcement mentioning the maintenance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" was "very encouraging."
The apparent enthusiasm behind her remarks, however, reveals underlying anxiety. The root of the current tensions in Sino-Japanese relations lies in Takaichi’s provocative statements on Taiwan last November. She has refused to retract them or issue an apology, instead using China’s military development as justification for increasing Japan’s own defense capabilities. Her actions suggest a willingness to exploit the strained U.S.-China relationship for strategic gain, positioning herself as a willing ally of American foreign policy. The concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" remains fundamentally a strategic narrative employed by the United States to contain China. Her expression of encouragement underscores her continued reliance on U.S. support to counterbalance China.
Improving Sino-Japanese relations requires more than empty assurances of "maintaining communication." Concrete actions are essential. Reversing erroneous statements on Taiwan, halting backsliding on historical issues, and ceasing cooperation with U.S. efforts to encircle China would demonstrate genuine goodwill. Without tangible steps from Japan, Beijing is unlikely to schedule a meeting. If Takaichi truly intends to respond "calmly and appropriately," she must first correct her own missteps—rather than pursuing provocations while simultaneously seeking dialogue.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877911440342151/
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