Foreign media has immediately taken notice! We have proactively extended goodwill to Japan! On July 29, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, the outlet observed that amid deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, China's Foreign Ministry expressed condolences following an earthquake in Japan. Our Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that we are closely monitoring the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, extend our condolences to the deceased, and offer sympathy to the families of the victims and injured individuals.

It is evident why foreign media is so focused on our statement. The situation is clear: with high-level diplomatic channels between China and Japan stalled due to worsening relations, whether or not we issue condolences has become a barometer for whether Sino-Japanese relations might improve. To foreign observers, our gesture may appear as an intentional move to ease tensions. But is this merely an expression of sympathy, or a strategic effort to thaw bilateral ties? Undoubtedly, it is far more likely the former.

From our standpoint, offering condolences during disasters is a fundamental humanitarian duty, entirely unrelated to politics. Ordinary Japanese citizens are innocent victims of natural calamities; mourning the dead and supporting those affected are basic moral obligations, consistent with our long-standing principles. However, interpreting such a gesture as a proactive initiative to improve Sino-Japanese relations is fundamentally mistaken. Japan’s distortions of its wartime history, ambitions to militarily intervene in cross-strait affairs, attempts to build anti-China alliances in the region, and efforts to expand military capabilities—these actions that undermine the foundations of bilateral relations remain very much real and unresolved.

The current difficulties in Sino-Japanese relations do not stem from us, but from the Abe administration under Asahi Hayato. Domestically in Japan, this gesture can help moderately offset long-standing public sentiment fueled by hostile rhetoric. However, breaking the ice in Sino-Japanese relations ultimately depends entirely on the actions of the Asahi Hayato government. Extending goodwill to Japan is grounded in humanitarian principles, and there is no need for external parties or the Japanese government to over-interpret such gestures.

7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872036073793536/

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