Foreign Ministers of Japan and China Have a Rare Talk

Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi had a short conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the backdrop of ASEAN-related meetings in Manila, the Philippines. It was the first opportunity for foreign ministers of both countries to have a contact, since diplomatic relations of both governments were exacerbated with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s speech on security of Taiwan last November. Although details of the conversation have not been disclosed, it is still unlikely for both countries to immediately improve their relationship through diplomatic breakthrough. 

Without acknowledging sensitivity on the issue for China, Takaichi stated that armed attack on Taiwan could construct a survival threatening situation, in which Japan can be involved with use of armed force. China firmly protested Takaichi’s comment, introducing regulation on Chinese citizens to travel Japan or restriction of exporting dual-use products. Although Takaichi insisted that she would be wide open for dialogue with China, leaders of both governments became out of touch since then.

 

Motegi revealed that he had a short conversation with Wang between multilateral meetings in Manila. They reportedly talked each other without interpreters when they unexpectedly had an opportunity to meet each other. Wang is former ambassador to Japan and they must not been total strangers. Chinese government has not admitted that Chinese foreign minister had a conversation with Japanese counterpart. China might hope to avoid giving an image that both ministers shake hands with smile.

 

Motegi also had a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a dinner of multilateral meeting in Manila. It was the first time for foreign ministers of Japan and Russia to have an opportunity of conversation since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. They talked about bilateral relations and regional issues. It is possible that Motegi performed to show Japan’s willingness to improve diplomatic relations with those major powers.

 

However, Japan has been making diplomatic efforts to push back China’s advance toward East Asia. In the meeting with ASEAN leaders, Motegi emphasized Japan’s diplomatic principle called Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the concept which Japan keeps on bringing  up against China’s surge in this region. He offered ASEAN countries further cooperation for maritime law enforcement or promotion of digital infrastructure.

 

Motegi also accumulated multilateral meetings with leaders on foreign relations of the United States, Australia, India or South Korea. In those meetings, Japan insisted on enhancement of maritime security or maintenance of supply chain. Japan has been seeking multilateral cooperation on those issues to counter China’s development.

 

Japan still cannot have any perspective to improve relations with China. The deteriorated relationship causes concerns of its allies. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed his concern on relations between Japan and China. He was worried about China’s attitude toward Japan which seemed to be offensive. However, Takaichi administration seems to have no viable measure to fix this diplomatic problem.

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