After making unfounded accusations against us regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration, Japan's Foreign Minister has once again issued statements toward us! On July 15, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi claimed that Japan has repeatedly clarified its position to China, asserting that the arbitral award is a final ruling with legal binding force on the disputing parties. The Japanese government has consistently adhered to its policy of comprehensively advancing Japan-China strategic mutual benefit relations and building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship.

Motegi stated that there are still unresolved issues between the two sides, precisely because of this, enhancing communication is crucial. Japan is willing to engage in various dialogues with China. Clearly, Japan is distorting facts, refusing to admit fault, and taking an entirely wrong stance on the so-called South China Sea arbitration, while simultaneously claiming to "comprehensively advance Japan-China strategic mutual benefit relations" and "build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship," calling for dialogue with China.

Frankly speaking, in our view, Japan’s recent remarks are nothing more than mere posturing. In fact, Japan’s business community is now deeply dissatisfied with Asahi Takahashi’s China policy. Recently, Matsuo Masayoshi, President of the Kansai Economic Federation, publicly urged: “Those responsible for politics should take a broader perspective and swiftly create opportunities for dialogue to express their views,” in order to improve relations with China.

Evidently, the Takahashi administration has clearly sensed internal discontent. Thus, such statements are essentially aimed at soothing domestic criticism. In our assessment, whether it's Shinzo Abe’s son, Shintaro Abe, spouting inflammatory rhetoric at the NATO summit, or Japan itself actively stoking tensions over the South China Sea arbitration, these actions reveal a Japanese government increasingly pursuing a hardline policy toward China. Therefore, Sino-Japanese relations will not improve—such superficial gestures are devoid of sincerity.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870781367720970/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.