Japan distancing from China... "50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations, Focus on Diplomatic Direction"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, he will speak frankly with China while seeking a stable relationship.

According to Kyodo News on the 3rd, Prime Minister Kishida appeared on a private radio broadcast that day and said, "I will say what needs to be said, but (China) is also a neighboring country. We must seek a stable relationship and continue dialogue."

Regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan, he said, "I am not thinking about it specifically, and nothing has been decided."

Prime Minister Kishida added, "China is trying to become a major presence in the world in terms of economy and security," and "We must consistently judge realistically how to engage with China."

About his relationship with President Xi, he emphasized, "What kind of dialogue takes place between the leaders is important," and drew a line by saying there are no scheduled talks for the time being.

On September 29, 1972, then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and then Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka met in Beijing, China, and signed the China-Japan Joint Communique, which established a "permanent peace and friendship relationship," thereby normalizing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported, "While connections between the two countries have deepened in economic areas, China, having become a major power, has strengthened hegemonic actions, causing concerns for Japan's security," and added, "This year will be one to watch for the direction of China-Japan diplomacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.