Japan now faces an unexpected diplomatic test following remarks by the prime minister that have stirred tension with China. As reactions escalate at the civilian level and international responses remain muted, the situation demands careful observation.
The recent remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi have set off a wave of reactions.
The Chinese government’s response has been stern, and the impact is beginning to extend to civilian travel and exchanges.
At this rate, I am no longer sure whether I will be able to attend the academic meeting scheduled in China next year.
Both the United States and South Korea appear to be remaining on the sidelines, leaving Japan and China to manage the issue directly.
Since the current situation stems from a statement by the prime minister, it will not be easy for Japan to step back.
How the government will navigate this remains unclear.
This is precisely the kind of moment that tests Japan’s diplomatic capability.
Officials are reportedly preparing for bureau-level talks, yet it is hard to imagine China—where saving face carries great weight—yielding readily.
The rapid escalation of civilian-level pressure almost gives the impression that a contingency plan for such an event had long been prepared and has now been put into effect.
By contrast, it is uncertain how well prepared Japan has been for a situation in which a political remark evolves into a diplomatic dispute.
In a street interview conducted in Beijing, one person stated:
“Today’s China is different from the past. We should settle accounts for the last war.”
Even among generations with no personal memory of the conflict, feelings of resentment seem to persist.
Some say that the sense of historical grievance extends back to the Opium War and Western imperialism.
Against this backdrop, how will Japan respond?
The situation is becoming difficult to predict, and developments warrant close attention.
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