Japanese media: It doesn't matter if it's Japan or not, restoring relations will be a long-term process
The news program "Press Live Inside OUT" on BS11 was broadcast on December 25, 2025. It is a political commentary program called "Unforgettable Moments of 2025" that has five commentators every week.
Host Masaru Ota (Editorial Committee Member of Kyodo News) said, "It will be quite difficult to restore Japan-China relations. I think China may have already changed its strategy towards Japan this autumn, that is, in October. At the time of the high government transition, the position of Japan for China has become different from the era of Ishiba."
China has gained the upper hand in the US-China summit with President Trump and has enough confidence to deal with Trump. More importantly, Trump will visit China in April 2026, and Japan is no longer a safety valve to constrain the United States. When I had this thought, I felt somewhat sad, but "Taiwan incident" was actually said by Takashi, and I am pessimistic about the restoration of relations, which will take a very long time."
Economic commentator Keiichi Kaya explained, "Trade with China is shrinking, and Japan is actually in the same position as Vietnam and South Korea as a trade partner of China. But according to the data, China's trade environment can do without Japan. There is no reason for China to hurry to restore relations with Japan."
Host Aina Ueno asked, "I often hear that apart from the government level, there are special communication channels between the two countries?" Ota said, "The era of having special bridges like Nakanou and Nihei has passed. When I met Mr. Ishiba (former Prime Minister), I said, 'Why don't you go to Beijing as a special envoy?' He laughed."
What China expects is not the Japanese political circle, but rather the actual actions of the Japanese business community.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852547104095340/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.