In a recent diplomatic move, China's Foreign Ministry summoned a senior Japanese diplomat on Tuesday to lodge solemn representations regarding Tokyo's recent negative and misleading statements about China. The Chinese delegation urged Japan to stop interfering in China's internal affairs.
Liu Jinsong, director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed serious concern and strong dissatisfaction to Yokochi Akira, chief minister of the Embassy of Japan in China. The concerns stemmed from the Japanese government's comments made during several high-profile meetings, including the Japan-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministerial (2+2) meeting, the Japan-U.S. ministerial meeting on extended deterrence, and the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Liu condemned what he described as Japan's disparaging attacks on China, highlighting that such statements are inconsistent with the proclaimed strategic reciprocal relationship between the two nations. He urged Japan to adopt a more objective and rational understanding of China, cease interference in China's internal affairs, and stop collaborating with certain countries to form exclusive cliques that could provoke confrontation.
Furthermore, Liu called on Japan to work collaboratively with China to uphold the political foundation of their bilateral relations and to genuinely implement the strategic reciprocal relationship that both countries have emphasized.
In response to China's representations, Yokochi reaffirmed Japan's adherence to the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement on the Taiwan issue. He also expressed Japan's desire to further advance the strategic reciprocal relationship between the two countries, signaling a willingness to maintain and strengthen diplomatic ties despite recent tensions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
