Disagreement Arises Following Alleged Misrepresentation of Japan’s Stance in Recent Diplomatic Meeting
Japan and China found themselves at odds once again on Monday, 24 March 2025, after a high-level diplomatic exchange in Tokyo aimed at improving relations between the two nations. The talks, which also involved South Korea, were expected to foster better cooperation amidst global challenges, such as US trade policies, North Korea’s missile activities, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, a statement released by China soon after the discussions sparked a new diplomatic row.
The contention centred around a Chinese claim that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had expressed respect for China’s position during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Japan quickly protested, with Chief Government Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stating that the assertion was inaccurate and demanded its immediate removal. Hayashi expressed his disappointment, noting that Japan had raised the issue with China directly, though he refrained from disclosing further details of the response.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the statement, suggesting that it was normal for countries to respect each other’s positions in diplomatic interactions. He further implied that the recent meeting between Japan and China reflected this mutual respect, despite Japan’s protests.
The trilateral meeting, which took place on 22 March, was a continuation of efforts to strengthen ties in the face of an increasingly complex global landscape. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, alongside Wang Yi and South Korea’s Cho Tae-yul, reportedly held a candid exchange on regional cooperation and broader international issues. Iwaya also expressed the view that the world is at a significant turning point, with the international situation growing more critical by the day.
Experts, such as Patricia M Kim from the Brookings Institution, have emphasised the growing importance of trilateral dialogues in this new geopolitical environment. As the US shifts its stance, Beijing has been actively seeking to bolster relationships with other key global players, including Japan and South Korea, amidst rising tensions with Washington.
The latest diplomatic spat between Japan and China underscores the ongoing complexity of their relationship, which has been marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. This dispute is also a reminder of the delicate nature of international diplomacy, where even small miscommunications can quickly escalate into larger confrontations.
