Wang Yi Calls for Normalization of China-Japan Relations... Urges Japanese Leaders to Swiftly Correct Wrong Remarks

Reception for Moderate Faction's Former Foreign Minister Iwaya

"First Official Announcement of Japanese Politicians' Meeting Since Takaichi's Taiwan Remarks"

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has once again urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to correct her remarks suggesting possible Japanese intervention in the event of a Taiwan crisis, stressing the need to normalize the currently frosty relations between China and Japan.

According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 29th, Minister Wang met with former Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who led a delegation from Japan’s civilian Japan-China Economic Exchange Organization on a visit to Beijing the previous day. Wang stated, "Next year marks the 55th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and at present, our bilateral relationship is once again facing a serious situation that requires re-normalization."

Wang Yi, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is speaking at the Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government Complex Seoul, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 19th. Joint coverage/Yonhap News Agency

Minister Wang emphasized, "What is urgent for Japan is for its national leader to swiftly correct the erroneous words and deeds made regarding the Taiwan issue." He added, "What matters is to adopt the right attitude towards historical issues, and fundamentally, to form an objective and rational perception of China."

He went on to point out that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial (International Military Tribunal for the Far East), which the Allies convened to punish Japan’s wartime criminals. "Japan is once again facing a test of history," he warned. "If it refuses to accept the lessons of the past, challenges the postwar peace constitution, or even seeks to relive the spirits of war criminals, Japan will find it difficult to have a future."

During the meeting, former Foreign Minister Iwaya reportedly stated that former Chairman Yohei Kono had, even from his sickbed, insisted on visiting China personally given the severe difficulties in bilateral relations, and expressed his intention to carry on this legacy.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, former Foreign Minister Iwaya said, "The current state of Japan-China relations is concerning," adding, "The Japan-China Economic Association will carry on the will of the late former chairman Yohei Kono, striving to ensure that bilateral relations return to the original intent and foundation of the four key political documents between the two countries."

He also stated, "Japan must never forget the lessons of the past," emphasizing that "politicians must steer Japan in the right direction and continue unwaveringly along the path of peaceful development," according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The "four key political documents" referenced by former Foreign Minister Iwaya are the Japan-China Joint Communiqué of 1972, the 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and joint statements made in 1998 and 2008. These documents include recognition of "One China," mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposition to the pursuit of hegemony. China has continually demanded adherence to these four political documents.

Minister Wang noted, "Since its establishment, the Japan-China Economic Association has devoted itself to promoting friendship between China and Japan. Even when bilateral ties faced challenges and disruptions, it firmly upheld the belief in amity with China, defending the political foundation of our relationship." He praised the late former chairman Yohei Kono as "a statesman of reason who faced Japan’s dark past head-on, courageously reflected on the crimes of militarist aggression, and earned the respect of the peoples of China and neighboring countries."

Kyodo News pointed out that this was the first time the Chinese side officially announced a meeting between Minister Wang and Japanese politicians since bilateral relations deteriorated in November of last year following Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks.

Although Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters he had a brief conversation with Minister Wang during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines, in July, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally denied this at the time.

China’s decision to publicize its meeting with the moderate faction of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party is being interpreted as a move to check the hardline diplomatic stance of the Takaichi administration.

Former Foreign Minister Iwaya is a member of the moderate faction within the Liberal Democratic Party that values China-Japan relations; he notably cast a blank vote in opposition when the House of Representatives pushed through the 'Flag Desecration Act' that penalizes damage to the Japanese national flag, standing against the Takaichi administration’s conservative tilt. In his capacity as chairman of the Japan-China Economic Association, which serves as a conduit for trade and economic exchanges, he led about 50 Japanese business executives and others to China.

The previous chairman of this organization was former House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono, who issued the "Kono Statement" expressing apology and remorse for Japan’s wartime actions regarding comfort women during the Japanese occupation. After Kono’s passing in June, former Foreign Minister Iwaya succeeded him as chairman.

Meanwhile, on the 54th anniversary of the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communiqué, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs again demanded a retraction of Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks. Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia-kun said, "Japan, in the joint communiqué, pledged to seriously reflect on its responsibility for the war, recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and fully understood and respected the position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China." He added, "On a day of such important historical significance, we once again urge Japan’s governing authorities to reflect on their mistakes and, through concrete actions, return to the original intent and foundation of the four key political documents."

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