Only Willing to Improve

Foreign Ministers of Japan and China had a bitter meeting in Beijing on Saturday. They showed clear difference of viewpoints on territory, maritime advance or economy, while exploring cooperation in energy saving or disaster prevention. The only outcome was reconfirming their willingness to improve the relationship. Diplomatic communication is necessary even in a deeply deteriorated situation. However, there still is a great distance between the continent and the islands.

At the beginning of the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, welcomed Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fumio Kishida, with a Chinese old saying. “I will follow our proverb, ‘listen to the words and watch the behavior,’” told Wang with no smile at Kishida. Wang did not directly reply to Kishida’s request for more improved bilateral relationship.

Wang’s frustration was based on his recognition that Japan had been disseminating argument of “Chinese threat” or “declining Chinese economy.” Kishida hosted Group 7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Hiroshima last month, which delivered a joint statement expressing concern on Chinese unilateral advance in East and South China Sea. China immediately accused the statement. “Japan needs to discard competitive mind and work for regional peace and stability,” Wang told Kishida.

Chinese economy actually puts negative impact on world economy. Japanese economy has been suffering from the slowdown of Chinese economy, as well as deflation pressure stemming from cheap oil price. Chinese argument that Japan has been spreading negative image on Chinese economy does not make sense. Kishida demanded China more efforts for structural reform to reduce excessive assets for production.

They shared serious concern on North Korea, which reiterates missile and nuclear development. But, Japan, on the same side with United States or South Korea, has been requiring North Korea to strictly abide by the resolutions of United Nations Security Council, which demanded immediate stop of developing nuclear weapon and ballistic missile or laid sanction against the North. However, China cannot be said as fully exercising its influence on North Korea to prevent further advance in nuclear and missile development.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, will host G7 Summit meeting later this month. China knows well that the meeting will issue another statement accusing Chinese advance in East and South China Sea. The bilateral relationship between Japan and China has no positive perspective in the foreseeable future.