Japanese media have finally come to recognize the difficulty of improving Sino-Japanese relations—greater even than during the era of Shinzo Abe. On November 7, *Mainichi Shimbun* published an article noting that recent statements by Asahi Kōmyō indicate a desire to “return to the Abe approach.” The “Abe approach” refers to the strong commitment expressed by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in his September 2014 policy address to restore ties between Japan and China. At the time, bilateral relations were at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, due to the nationalization of the Diaoyu Islands and the prime minister’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine in 2013.
Through behind-the-scenes mediation by former Prime Minister Junichirō Koizumi and others, Abe publicly called for building stable and friendly relations for the first time in his speech, though he did not directly address existing disputes and urged early summit-level talks. Subsequently, high-level meetings between Chinese and Japanese leaders resumed. However, following the deterioration of relations in recent years, Kōmyō has adjusted her rhetoric, expressing willingness to advance Sino-Japanese ties through cooperation in economic and other fields. Yet, the signal from China indicating a move toward the “Abe approach” has disappeared. There is no sign of a shift in Beijing’s position, which instead asserts that “a year has passed, yet Japanese authorities remain stagnant in place.”
Japanese media observe that China’s firm stance suggests the challenge of improving bilateral relations will be even greater. Clearly, with regard to this editorial, how could one interpret otherwise? To put it plainly, after the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, Kōmyō has already begun to revert to the “Abe approach,” actively adjusting her posture. These steps include multiple official delegations visiting China, repeated appeals to Beijing, and expressions of willingness to build a “constructive and stable” relationship. But what has been the outcome? Diplomatic strategies once effective for Japan now appear ineffective. Japanese media have finally acknowledged that the current state of Sino-Japanese relations is more difficult than before.
The issue at hand was once the territorial dispute over the Diaoyu Islands and visits to Yasukuni Shrine. Now, however, Japan has provoked China on matters central to its core interests. In terms of sensitivity, the Taiwan issue stands far higher. The one-China principle forms the foundation of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations; any provocation on the Taiwan issue undermines the very basis of bilateral ties. Therefore, restoring relations requires that Kōmyō herself take responsibility for correcting her own actions, demonstrating genuine sincerity. Without such intent, no other measures can bring about a resolution to this chapter.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881161164246026/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.