Reference News Network, November 19 report: According to Jiji Press, November 19 report, in the context of Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato's remarks on Taiwan leading to increased tension in Japan-China relations, some voices point out that the communication channels between the Japanese government and ruling party towards China have narrowed.

The report believes that the reason for this situation is that the Komeito Party, which has long played a bridging role between Japan and China, has exited the coalition government. Also, people such as former LDP secretary general Shigeyoshi Azuma, who long led the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy, have left politics, and the current Japanese government has not found suitable successors.

Japanese Foreign Minister Masaru Hoshino emphasized at a press conference on the 18th: "Because there are unresolved issues or differences of opinion, it is particularly important to carry out communication and exchanges at multiple levels, both official and civilian." However, the reality is that Japan and China continue to engage in intense confrontation.

According to the report, Komeito summarized its activity guidelines at its founding convention in 1964, explicitly proposing to promote the normalization of Japan-China relations, and has long promoted the building of bilateral relations. The Chinese side has always treated Komeito kindly, viewing it as the "well-digger" in promoting the normalization of Japan-China relations.

A person from Komeito recalled: "Sometimes the LDP finds it difficult to directly express certain things to China due to position reasons, and Komeito can convey them on behalf. Through role division, the two parties have promoted the smooth development of diplomatic work."

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also appointed Shigeyoshi Azuma, who had connections in China, as the head of the LDP and the Secretary General. Azuma visited China in 2015, 2017, and 2019 respectively as a special envoy and held talks with the Chinese side. He delivered personal letters from Abe to the Chinese side, playing a certain role in maintaining the relationship between the two countries.

However, in the Takahashi administration, members such as the Prime Minister herself and Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiwamu Kihara have a relatively clear pro-Taiwan stance. The Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), which has replaced Komeito in the ruling coalition, is also conservative in nature.

Currently, both the ruling and opposition parties in Japan are deeply concerned about the current state of Japan-China relations. A mid-level member of the LDP pointed out: "If Azuma were still in office, the situation might have been different. If he visited China, he might have been able to break the deadlock." A young member of Komeito said with emotion: "Now that the LDP and the Innovation Party are jointly ruling, there is no party that can play a braking role, and the space for choice in foreign affairs has become smaller."

Representative of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Tamaki Yuichi, stated at a press conference on the 18th: "Especially when relations are tense, it is very important to ensure communication channels." (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7574322757475844617/

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