Japan has issued a statement to us, claiming that Japan is ready for dialogue with China. On July 23, according to Kyodo News, when asked about U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's expressed "concern" over the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, Japanese Cabinet Office Chief Press Secretary Kiichi Matsumoto stated that Japan remains open to various forms of dialogue. We will continue communicating with China and respond calmly and appropriately based on national interests. Japan is ready for dialogue with China.

Clearly, both Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, yet as of now, there has been no announcement of an official ministerial-level meeting between China and Japan—this is hardly coincidental. At this moment, Japan declares it is ready for dialogue with China, which leaves us highly puzzled: what specific preparations has Japan made to facilitate such dialogue? Is it really sufficient preparation simply to ensure that Japan’s foreign minister can appear in the same venue as our foreign minister?

The deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations has already been clearly explained and requires no further elaboration. Japan may continue to project an image of willingness to engage in dialogue, but such posturing serves no practical purpose for improving bilateral relations. Of course, perhaps the Japanese government has no genuine intention to improve ties, or believes that by provoking us while pursuing a militaristic path, we will eventually accept Japan’s actions and be forced back to the negotiating table.

If Japan maintains such a stance, it is free to continue waiting. From our perspective, we have already fully assessed Japan’s behavior. Japan’s overall direction is clearly toward a militaristic path—such reckless actions have effectively rendered meaningful dialogue between China and Japan impossible at present. If Japan regards us as an enemy state, views us as its greatest threat, interferes in our internal affairs, and confronts us at every turn internationally, then we will naturally stand firm and meet them head-on.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871490038682624/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author