TOKYO – A recent meeting between Japanese and Chinese officials has been overshadowed by a dispute over how the encounter was portrayed in chinese state media, escalating tensions between the two nations. The friction stems from coverage of a November 18th discussion between Kanai Hiroshi, Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, and Liu jianchao, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
China Central Television broadcast footage depicting Liu chatting with Kanai, presented in a manner perceived by Japan as a “lecture.” Several Chinese media outlets published articles with headlines suggesting a submissive posture from the Japanese official, including “Japanese senior official leaves Chinese Foreign Ministry with head bowed.”
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara addressed the issue at a November 19th news conference, stating, “We have raised the issue with the Chinese side regarding the press arrangements that were made without coordination with the Japanese side.” While refraining from commenting on individual reports, Kihara emphasized Tokyo’s commitment to de-escalation through dialog.
the meeting itself was prompted by a recent statement from Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential Japanese action in the event of a Chinese military attack on taiwan. Despite the focus on this sensitive topic, the talks, which lasted throughout the day on November 18th, yielded no meaningful progress. Kanai did not offer remarks to the press following the meeting.
The incident highlights a growing strain in Japan-China relations, with a “long fight” anticipated.Planned discussions between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Takaichi at the upcoming Group of 20 summit in South Africa have been cancelled, though Japanese sources indicate Tokyo is seeking opportunities for a brief exchange.
Complicating matters, japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has seen a weakening of its traditional diplomatic channels with China, losing key figures who previously prioritized strong ties and no longer benefiting from a coalition with the Komeito party, which maintains connections in China. A senior foreign Ministry official reportedly expressed pessimism, stating, “We have stepped on the tiger’s tail with the Taiwan issue. This is probably a time when nothing we do will work.”
