Greece (Brussels Morning) What made East Asia so important? Who are the key geostrategic players? And why would they prefer friendship to conflict? Where of course it is allowed…
In their first face-to-face talks in a year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida publicly stated that they will promote mutually beneficial relations, indicating that Asia’s two largest economies are attempting to mend frayed ties.
Their countries should “focus on common interests” and reaffirm a “strategic relationship of mutual benefit and give it new meaning”, Xi told Kishida as they sat opposite one another at a long table flanked by their delegations.
Kishida indicated that the two parties reiterated their commitment to the relationship in press comments following the talks. “We shared the common view that we will continue to communicate closely on various levels including at the leadership level,” Kishida said.
This symbolizes a significant shift in China-Japan ties, with the goal of establishing a constructive and stable relationship in the future. It is worth noticing that the phrase “strategic and mutually beneficial relations” hasn’t been used in a long time, and its use on this occasion plainly reflects the leaders’ specific aspirations for China-Japan relations.
But why is this communication so necessary and why should this need be emphasized? In the face of escalating Chinese and Russian airspace violations, Tokyo must find a way to communicate its concerns both assertively and effectively.
From the European perspective, communicating issues concerning diplomatic or bilateral relations is part of diplomacy, it shows strategic depth and negotiating power. In Asia things are different. Proposing solutions for diplomatic issues or bringing 15 issues to the negotiating table shows weakness. Wanting to discuss differences is not always constructive. Countries traditionally maintain a more stable, more dynamic stance.
Instead, Japan should seek balance and consistency, using the hotline in conjunction with public and private diplomacy efforts. While a closer economic relationship with Beijing should be strongly encouraged, a tougher stance on incursions with consistent messaging should pervade all relevant Japanese ministries.
Diplomatic Importance
As neighboring countries, Japan and China have a variety of problems. At the same time, Japan’s connection with China is one of its most important bilateral relationships, with the two nations maintaining tight economic ties as well as people-to-people and cultural interactions. Japan-China relations are growing increasingly crucial not just for the two nations, but also for the region’s and the world community’s peace and prosperity.
While resolutely defending and establishing our stance, we will continue to hold discussions and collaborate with China on issues of mutual interest in order to build a “constructive and stable relationship.”
Let’s start from this point and symbolism and build on it. Trying to understand Asian diplomacy in Western terms is a mistake. Japan is a country that is characterized by and relies heavily on Western thinking and diplomatic practices. However, it manages many issues with its own traditions and culture. And it does well.
China has a track record of refusing to communicate when it serves its interests. The United States also experienced similar behavior. When US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Tokyo in June, he bemoaned the refusal of Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Li Shangfu to meet with him at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Austin’s reasoning was similar to Japan’s: “The provocative intercepts of our aircraft, as well as our allies’ aircraft, are very concerning, and we would hope that they would change their behavior.”
“Both Japan and China have a great responsibility to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the international community,” Kishida said in a message that was read out at a ceremony in Tokyo. The prime minister called on China to cooperate in building “a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship.”
Japan, in collaboration with the US, seeks to exploit the Taiwan issue as a card to restrain China or to push China to an inferior position in regional politics. There are indications that China’s position is altering in reaction to changing regional realities. China, Japan, and South Korea are continuing to set the basis for a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers in late November in Seoul. China has indicated that it is willing to host a trilateral leaders’ summit following that. It will be an interesting meeting.
