On Tuesday, November 18th, senior officials from Japan and China held a meeting in Beijing in an attempt to ease the recent controversies sparked by comments on Taiwan-related issues. However, the meeting did not yield substantial progress. The Nikkei Asia reported that the diplomatic dispute between Japan and China may continue.
The Director of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Masaki Kanai, met with the Director of the Asian Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liu Jingsong, in Beijing, where both sides maintained their respective stances.
After the meeting, Masaki Kanai and Liu Jingsong walked out of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs building together, both wearing serious expressions. Liu Jingsong, donning a traditional Chinese attire, stood with a rather proud and stiff posture.
When asked about the outcome of the meeting, Liu Jingsong expressed dissatisfaction and mentioned the serious atmosphere of the discussion. Masaki Kanai, on the other hand, remained cautious and did not respond to any questions from the media.
Earlier this month, Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takai, stated that if Beijing attacks Taiwan and the U.S. military defending Taiwan, it would pose a “survival threat to Japan.” This was interpreted as Japan asserting its right to exercise collective defense and instructing its Self-Defense Forces to protect the U.S. troops stationed in Taiwan in such a scenario.
Subsequently, Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, posted on social media in response to the Japanese Prime Minister’s statement, stating, “We have no choice but to decisively cut off the dirty heads rushing towards us.” The post was later deleted.
Liu Jingsong once again urged Prime Minister Sanae Takai to retract her remarks, but was met with refusal from the Japanese side.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Masaki Kanai reiterated on Tuesday that Japan sees no need to retract the Prime Minister’s statements, while strongly opposing Xue Jian’s remarks as “extremely inappropriate.” With voices from both the government and opposition in Japan calling for the expulsion of Xue Jian, Masaki urged Beijing to take prompt and appropriate actions.
Masaki Kanai also responded to Beijing’s call for its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, stating that public safety in Japan has not deteriorated and urging China to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated in a routine press conference on Tuesday that Prime Minister Takai’s comments “fundamentally damaged the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations.”
The Chinese government has publicly urged its citizens to refrain from traveling, touring, or studying in Japan. Currently, Chinese tourists traveling to Japan have not been affected by this political turmoil, but it remains to be seen if there will be any future impacts.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated in a press conference on Tuesday, “We have earnestly explained the purpose of Prime Minister Takai’s parliamentary defense to the Chinese side, pointing out that China’s announcement of measures seemingly shrinking cultural exchanges runs counter to the broad direction confirmed by the two countries’ leaders, and we have requested a proper response from China.”
“Because there are some significant concerns and differences of opinion, it is crucial to engage in multi-level communications involving the public and private sectors,” he added.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated in a podcast program on Nikkei Radio on Tuesday that the Japanese government’s view on the survival threat remains unchanged.
Kishida emphasized the importance of continuing to explain cautiously to prevent further escalation, stating that the government’s position has not changed.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Tadamori Oshima stated in a press conference on Tuesday, “The Japanese government always hopes to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully through dialogue.”