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Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Delivers Policy Speech, Stressing "Exchange" and "Stability" in Relations with China

The words of Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Shi Po made us Chinese have to prick up our ears and listen carefully. The Japan leader, who has just taken office for a short time, made a striking point in his policy speech - to build good relations with China and build a "constructive and stable" Japan-China relationship. Sounds good, right? But we can't just listen to what he says, we have to see what he does.

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Delivers Policy Speech, Stressing "Exchange" and "Stability" in Relations with China

Speaking of which, this Shi Pomao is also an interesting character. He is not a new politician, but an old fritter in Japan's political circles. He previously served as defense minister in Shinzo Abe's cabinet, and also competed with Abe for the position of president of the Liberal Democratic Party. Although it didn't work out, it also proved that this guy has the number one in Japan politics. Now that he has finally survived the position of prime minister, it is natural to show something in diplomacy.

Why did Shi Pomao propose to establish good relations with China at this time? Let's start at the beginning.

You must know that China and Japan are the two largest economies in Asia, and the quality of their relations directly affects the situation in the entire Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, relations between the two countries have not been particularly good, but they have not reached the point where they are incompatible. Both sides understand that it is in the interest of both parties to have a good relationship.

Shigeru Ishiba's remarks are actually a continuation of the Japan government's long-standing policy toward China. He said that he would "continue to promote the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries and promote exchanges at all levels." This sounds official, but the meaning behind it is not simple.

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Delivers Policy Speech, Stressing "Exchange" and "Stability" in Relations with China

The term "strategic reciprocity" is not a casual phrase. This was proposed by Shinzo Abe when he first became prime minister in 2006. To put it simply, China and Japan need to help each other at the strategic level and benefit from each other. This concept has always been the guiding principle of Sino-Japanese relations. Shigeru Ishiba's repetition of this shows that he wants to continue to develop relations between the two countries on this basis.

The phrase "communication between levels" is also interesting. This is not only about government-level exchanges, but also about people-to-people, business, cultural and other aspects. This shows that Ishiba hopes that Sino-Japanese relations will develop in an all-round way and will not be confined to a certain field.

We must also be soberly aware that there are still many problems in Sino-Japanese relations. For example, historical issues, territorial disputes, etc., these are all hurdles that cannot be bypassed. Although Shi Pomao said that he wanted to have a good relationship, how to deal with these sensitive issues depends on his actual actions.

Let's go back to Shi Pomao. He is a well-known "hawk" figure in Japan politics, especially on security policy. He has always advocated that Japan should strengthen its military and revise its pacifist constitution. Such a stance is not in keeping with China's interests. This time, he said that he wanted to do a good job in Sino-Japanese relations, and whether he was sincere or not really had to put a question mark.

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Delivers Policy Speech, Stressing "Exchange" and "Stability" in Relations with China

One might think it's just a politician's rhetoric. But we can't completely deny Shi Pomao's sincerity. The domestic and international situation that Japan is now facing really needs to have good relations with China.

Japan's economy is not doing well right now. Inflation is high and economic growth is sluggish. As Japan's largest trading partner, China's importance to Japan's economy is self-evident. Good relations are beneficial to Japan's economic recovery.

Today, when the international situation is complicated, Japan also needs to maintain a balance among major powers. Relying too much on United States could limit Japan's diplomatic space. Improving relations with China can give Japan more room for diplomatic maneuver.

Moreover, on some global issues, such as climate change and epidemic prevention and control, China and Japan have a lot of room for cooperation. Shigeru may have seen this as well, and wanted to use it to move the relationship forward.

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Delivers Policy Speech, Stressing "Exchange" and "Stability" in Relations with China

The development of Sino-Japanese relations cannot be achieved overnight. The problems and contradictions that have accumulated between the two countries cannot be resolved with one or two nice words. It requires long-term efforts by both sides to gradually build up mutual trust.

Shi Pomao's remarks can be said to have brought a warm wind to Sino-Japanese relations. But whether this warm wind can turn into a continuous spring breeze depends on the follow-up actions. The Chinese side will certainly welcome this, but at the same time, it will remain vigilant and see what the Japanese side will do.

The development of Sino-Japanese relations requires the political wisdom of the leaders of the two countries, as well as the understanding and support of the peoples of the two countries. Shi Pomao's words may become a new starting point. However, it remains to be seen whether Sino-Japanese relations can really move forward.

Shigeru's words sent us a positive signal. But we can't be too optimistic. The development of Sino-Japanese relations is a long-term process that requires the joint efforts of both sides. We look forward to seeing more concrete action, not just beautiful diplomatic rhetoric.

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Delivers Policy Speech, Stressing "Exchange" and "Stability" in Relations with China

In an era of unpredictable world situations, China and Japan, as the two largest economies in Asia, shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining regional peace and stability. If the "constructive and stable" relationship that Ishiba called "constructive" can be realized, it will not only benefit the two countries, but will also have a positive impact on the entire Asia-Pacific region and the world.

But there's still a long way to go. We need to keep hope for the future as well as be sober about reality. The development of Sino-Japanese relations requires the joint efforts of the governments and peoples of the two countries. Let's wait and see if Shi Pomao's remarks can truly become the beginning of a new chapter in Sino-Japanese relations.

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