Japanese foreign minister briefly exchanges words with Chinese official during unexpected meeting in Manila, but significant obstacles remain in improving relations

Japanese media: Even brief conversations with China are meaningful

According to a report by Japanese news agency Jiji Press on July 26: It was meaningful that Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi initiated a brief conversation with Chinese officials in Manila.

This marks the first exchange between the two foreign ministers since their phone call last October, after a nine-month gap. It also represents the first face-to-face meeting between senior officials from both sides following the deterioration of relations triggered in November last year when former Foreign Minister Sanae Takeda made inappropriate remarks about the "Taiwan emergency situation."

However, Japanese media believe that prospects for formal talks remain dim, and the path toward improving bilateral ties remains difficult.

On the 22nd, during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Manila, Motegi approached a senior Chinese official without an interpreter present. At a press conference on the 23rd, Motegi explained: "We seized the opportunity for conversation through a chance encounter. We discussed bilateral relations." However, he did not disclose specific details of the exchange.

Typically, during ASEAN-related foreign minister meetings, there have been face-to-face encounters between the Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers. This time, however, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not attend the dinner on the evening of the 21st nor participate in the trilateral meeting among China, South Korea, Japan, and ASEAN. As a result, positive views circulated within the Japanese government, with insiders stating, "Even brief exchanges carry significance."

Nevertheless, formal foreign ministerial talks aimed at genuinely addressing issues remain far off, and there are no signs yet of any improvement in relations.

In response to Takeda’s remarks, China has expanded export restrictions on dual-use items—such as rare earths—to Japan, and criticized her administration as representing "a new form of militarism."

On the 19th, a Chinese naval destroyer conducted live-fire exercises near Okinotorishima, which China claims as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), despite Japan's objections.

On the 22nd, during the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, China warned: "We will never allow the resurgence of militarism."

A Japanese government source expressed concern: "China's position will not change. They will continue criticizing this new form of militarism."

Given the U.S. government’s expression of “concern” over the worsening Sino-Japanese relations—specifically from Secretary of State Rubio—Japan is actively seeking opportunities for dialogue between its prime minister and Chinese leaders. The Japanese side greatly hopes such a meeting can take place during the APEC Summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen.

Yet, Japanese government officials admit: "Given the current state of bilateral relations, holding the summit will be extremely challenging."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871733464527049/

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