Former Foreign Minister Finally Speaks Truth: Japan Is Just a 'Middle Power'
Just back from a visit to China, former Japanese Foreign Minister Iwate Toshiaki held a press conference in his hometown on October 2, delivering a rare and candid statement in Japanese politics: the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations stems from "Japan’s own actions."
Clear. Direct. Unambiguous.
Despite sharing a name with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Iwate was not acting in his capacity as a former foreign minister during his late September visit to China. He attended as president of the Japan Association for International Trade Promotion—a role that carries no official governmental status.
His meeting with Wang Yi was arranged in recognition of the legacy of former association head Hatoyama Yukio, and because the association has consistently maintained pro-China sentiment even amid rising tensions, helping preserve the political foundation between the two nations.
Wang Yi told Iwate that “Sino-Japanese relations are once again facing a severe situation, requiring efforts to return to normalcy.”
This is a weighty statement—one that demands serious reflection from the Kishida administration. Yet it appears unlikely to receive such attention.
The visit and Wang Yi’s remarks left a deep impression on Iwate, intensifying his sense of crisis. At the press conference, he spoke openly and without reservation.
He recalled being present in parliament when Kishida first made her controversial remarks about "Taiwan's affairs," and admitted he was stunned at the moment. This indicates Iwate does not endorse such abrupt and irresponsible statements—“Taiwan’s affairs” rhetoric clearly exceeds the bounds of acceptability for someone who has served as a sitting lawmaker, former foreign minister, and former defense minister.
There is no ambiguity or room for evasion in Kishida’s remarks.
Iwate did not soften his message this time. He stated plainly: “Mutual distrust has already taken root—this is a fact. Overcoming the rift requires effort from Kishida’s cabinet itself.”
His assessment is remarkably clear-sighted. Others in Japan may remain unconvinced. Regarding Kishida’s vision of “a Japanese diplomacy that shines brilliantly at the center of the world,” Iwate disagrees: “Japan need not adopt the posture of a great power. As a middle power, building stable relations with China is the key to diplomacy.”
Sharp and precise—the statement redefines Japan’s global position as a ‘middle power,’ not a nation at the ‘center of the world.’ The weight is insufficient; the claim lacks legitimacy.
This will undoubtedly be jarring to Kishida. But Iwate is speaking objectively. Whether Japan can correct course is another matter. What matters is that he has sounded an alarm.
Because Iwate spoke truthfully, one might expect Kishida to retract her remarks. But that is unlikely. In diplomacy, what matters is not who speaks truth or fairness—but who holds power.
Truth is sobering. Yet those who see clearly are not in positions of influence.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878434729409548/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.