Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has stated that Japan seeks a “constructive and stable” relationship with China and called on Beijing to behave “responsibly.” Kishida stressed that the security environment they currently face is the most challenging and complex since the war, and he believes that proactive diplomacy with China is a priority. He stated that it is necessary to strive for a constructive and stable relationship with Beijing, which requires effort from both sides.
Ties between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, and Japan has increased its defense spending in response to China’s security policy. In addition, Japan chairs this year’s G7, whose foreign ministers this week showed a united front against China and issued warnings on numerous issues, from its maritime claims to Taiwan, including the “accelerated expansion” of its nuclear arsenal. Beijing reacted angrily to the G7 ministers’ statement, which it deemed “full of arrogance, prejudice, and sinister intentions.”
Tensions in the region have been heightened by events such as the Chinese military maneuvers, launched after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US political leaders. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to take it back one day. Kishida stressed the importance of maintaining “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” not only for Japan but for “the stability of the international community.” However, he was silent on how Japan would respond in the event of an invasion.
Kishida met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a summit last year, and his foreign minister visited Beijing this month. However, his visit came shortly after Tokyo announced it was joining Washington in establishing export controls on semiconductor equipment, seen as a move aimed at Beijing. Kishida also called on China to do more to ensure “a transparent, predictable, and fair business environment.”