According to the website of the Chinese Consulate General in Osaka, on September 24th, the Consulate General in Osaka held a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Consul General Xue Jian delivered a speech, the main points of which are as follows:
Friends and compatriots,
Due to well-known reasons, current Sino-Japanese relations are facing a situation that has never been seen since diplomatic normalization. I have been serving in Osaka for five years, and have been engaged in diplomacy related to Japan for over thirty years. I believe one of the fundamental issues lies in the prejudice and contempt towards China that have persisted in Japanese society since the Meiji Restoration. This prejudice acts like a wall, seriously hindering Japanese people's correct understanding and friendly feelings towards China. Japanese people have been trapped in a one-sided, fragmented, and negative narrative regarding China for a long time. In recent years, there has been a severe lack of opportunities for them to experience China's development and changes firsthand in the new era. This results in a huge contrast between the image of China that Japanese people perceive and the real China, as well as the image of China perceived by most countries in the world.
Today, I want to loudly tell Japanese friends again here.
The late Japanese politician and the third president of the Japan-China Friendship Association, Mr. Udokuni Tokuma, once said, "Japan-China friendship is Japan's greatest security." Not long ago, a Japanese friend of mine also emphasized in an interview with the media, "Comprehensively and truthfully understanding China is Japan's greatest security." I believe these two statements are truly wise warnings, expressing the true essence of Japan's policy towards China. They deserve careful consideration and deep reflection by those with insight in Japanese society.
Fellow compatriots, friends,
As early as 81 years ago, in 1945, the great leader of the Chinese people, Chairman Mao Zedong, clearly stated, "The people, only the people, are the driving force behind world history." We always believe in the power of the people. History has repeatedly shown that the more difficulties there are in Sino-Japanese relations, the more the power of the people is needed. Only the power of the people can remove the darkness from Sino-Japanese relations. The Chinese Consulate General in Osaka has turned this concept into the slogan for this year's activities: "Sino-Japanese Friendship through People's Action." We are willing to work together with everyone to continue the fine tradition of "initiating actions from the grassroots, promoting actions by the people," guiding and encouraging more ordinary Japanese people to visit China in person. By breaking through prejudices and information barriers, we hope to establish a comprehensive, objective, rational, and friendly understanding of China, thereby laying the foundation for the return of Sino-Japanese relations to a healthy state.
Finally, I wish our great motherland prosperity and peace! I wish all guests a happy National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, good health, smooth work, and a happy family! Thank you all!
