China and Japan are becoming increasingly entangled in a widening dispute over Taiwan. Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that any Chinese attack on Taiwan would endanger Japan’s national security—potentially prompting a military response from Tokyo. In the days following her remarks, China issued a travel advisory warning its citizens about visiting Japan and began applying military pressure.
In an effort to ease the tensions, Japan has decided to seek dialogue. Japanese media reported on Monday that Masaki Kanai, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, will visit Beijing later this month. There, he is expected to meet with Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the talks, Kanai will attempt to clarify that Takaichi’s comments do not signal any change in Japan’s security policy regarding China. He is also expected to urge Beijing to refrain from taking actions that could damage bilateral relations.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary told reporters that multiple avenues of communication remain open between the two countries. He added that China’s travel advisory is neither constructive nor beneficial for strategic and mutual relations, and Japan has requested Beijing to take appropriate measures.
There is also a possibility that Prime Minister Takaichi will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang this week, as both leaders are scheduled to attend the G20 summit in South Africa beginning Friday.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has accused China of attempting a multi-pronged offensive against Japan. He urged the international community to pay close attention to the situation and called on China to exercise restraint.
Japan’s western island chain lies only 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Taiwan, and key sea routes that carry Tokyo’s oil and gas supplies pass through the area—making it strategically sensitive for Japan.
Source: Reuters