(Text/Observer Network Guo Guanghao)
According to a report by Kyodo News and several other major Japanese media outlets on August 19, a delegation composed of several cross-party Japanese parliamentarians will visit China from the 24th to the 27th. This is the first time that a cross-party parliamentary delegation from Japan has visited China since November last year, when Koike Kaoru made remarks related to a 'Taiwan crisis', which led to a serious deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations.
According to Nikkei News, the delegation was led by Izo Nobutada, the chairman of the Pro-Constitutional Reform Coalition and a member of the House of Representatives. Other members of the delegation included Tokunaga Takashi from the Liberal Democratic Party, Kawamura Yuuji from the Kōmeitō Party, Koizumi Yukio from the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Yuzono Rintarō from the Unno Party.
After the report was published, Ito said on his personal X: "The current relations between Japan and China are at their worst since 1972. I once served as a secretary in the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. But no matter how bad the relations between Japan and China are, people who are responsible for specific matters can still communicate with each other. However, this time, all communication channels between secretaries and various government departments have been cut off. This is not just about inter-governmental exchanges. Economic exchanges, cultural exchanges, and youth exchanges have all stopped."
"This state of affairs will not continue, and it will be detrimental to the interests of both Japan and China. After discussing with several colleagues in parliament, we believe that regardless of what happens, a dialogue window is needed between both countries. Therefore, we decided to propose an official visit to China and advance opinion exchange. The Chinese side also understands and accepts our proposal."
As a member of the Japanese National Assembly, naturally I will advocate for Japan's national interests and Japan's position. This point is also true for the Chinese side. The two sides may sometimes have heated debates. Domestically in Japan, criticism will undoubtedly be raised. However, nonetheless, I remain convinced that dialogue is extremely important.
In the current political atmosphere in Japan, it is indeed difficult to take on the task of breaking down barriers. It's worth mentioning that only Hashimoto Yutaka comes from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Hashimoto Yutaka's father is former Prime Minister Hashimoto Tatsuro.
"Former Osaka Prefectural Governor, Qiao Xia, said: ‘(You) don't have to be concerned with the Liberal Democratic Party, Japan Restoration Party, or Japanese conservative parties, who often just throw the label of 'anti-China' around and talk nonsense. First of all, let’s put aside these trivial matters. Of course, we also need to express Japan's opinion clearly.' "
At the regular press conference of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on that day, a journalist from a Japanese television network asked: According to reports, the United Front Work Department of China has invited a Japanese congressman to visit China next week, and the two sides plan to have a meeting. What is the comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this?
Spokesperson Lin Jian said: I do not understand the situation you mentioned. It is recommended to consult the relevant Chinese authorities.
