In 29 days, it will be 50 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China.



Face-to-face summits have not been held between the two countries for nearly three years as China intensifies its hegemonic moves.



The Chinese side has shown a stance of emphasizing its relationship with Japan, but the mood for celebration is sluggish against the backdrop of the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and Taiwan. is.

Fifty years ago on the 29th, in Beijing, then Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed a Japan-China Joint Statement, normalizing diplomatic relations between Japan and China.



On the 28th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno held a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office with Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the National Political Consultative Conference, China's advisory body for national affairs, and worked together to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations. We agreed that it is important to continue



Prime Minister Kishida will not attend the commemorative event to be held in Tokyo on the 29th, but Foreign Minister Hayashi will attend.



While China is Japan's largest trading partner, it is also increasing its military power and strengthening its hegemonic movements.



Last month, China held military exercises in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, and part of the ballistic missiles fell inside Japan's EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), spreading tensions between the United States and China. And the relationship between Japan and China is becoming even more difficult.



Face-to-face summit meetings have not been held between the two countries for nearly three years, and the issue will be how to improve relations in the future.

China shows a stance of emphasizing Japan, but celebratory mood is low

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a telegram of condolence to Prime Minister Kishida last month, saying, "This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and we will work together to build bilateral relations that meet the demands of the new era. I want to go there,” showing the importance of Japan.



This year, events commemorating the normalization of diplomatic relations are being held one after another in China, and a Chinese friendship group is scheduled to hold a commemorative reception in Beijing on the 29th.



However, due to the impact of the new coronavirus, the number of people coming and going has decreased, and the celebratory mood has been sluggish due to the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and Taiwan.



In an editorial on the 28th, the media affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party emphasized that "distrust and concerns about strategy have never been seen in the last 50 years," and that they are trying to suppress China together with the United States. criticizing the Japanese side.



Yang Bojiang, director of the Institute of Japanese Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government-affiliated think-tank that has influence on the Chinese government's policy toward Japan, commented on future relations between the two countries, saying, ``Whether it is private-sector exchanges or strategic dialogue between governments, it is very important. The challenge is how to find clues to improve the relationship.

Chinese government-affiliated think tank “Inheriting the original intentions and principles of 50 years ago”

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, Yang Bojiang, Director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of Japanese Studies, a think tank affiliated with the Chinese government, gave an interview to NHK.



In it, he commented on the normalization of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, saying, "At the height of the Cold War, the two countries were able to overcome their political ideological differences and achieve reconciliation. It was very positive and important for the region." The normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries has boosted regional integration,” he said, emphasizing its significance.



Regarding the current situation in Japan-China relations, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to factors such as the situation in Taiwan, he said, "I believe that both countries need stable development. I don't want to. We must carry on the original intentions and principles of the normalization of diplomatic relations 50 years ago."



On the other hand, regarding the Chinese government's policy toward Japan, he expressed the view that "there will be no major changes" after next month's Communist Party Congress.



After that, regarding future bilateral relations, he said, ``It is necessary to strengthen exchanges and dialogue.It is very important whether it is private exchanges or strategic dialogue between governments.The spread of the new coronavirus has interrupted human exchanges. It is a pity that it has happened, and it is very undesirable. I hope that such exchanges can be resumed as soon as possible."

The interpreter at the time said, "If Premier Zhou Enlai learns of the current situation, it will be very sad."

Zhou Bin (87), who served as an interpreter for Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai when diplomatic relations were normalized 50 years ago and was also in charge of interpreting for the Chinese side in negotiations with Japan, said in an interview with NHK that the current situation in which relations between the two countries have cooled is complicated. I made my feelings clear.



Reflecting on the time when Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka and Premier Zhou Enlai signed a joint statement and normalized diplomatic relations, Mr. Zhou said, "The most worrying thing now is the deterioration of public opinion on both sides. He has taught us to remember old friends and seek new ones widely so that the friendship between the two peoples will last for generations. He said he never imagined that relations between the two countries would be as cold as they are now.



He added, "I believe we can overcome this difficult period. Politicians and people of both countries will gradually change the situation with their wisdom and ability. The current situation is not in the interests of the people of both countries, I don't think it fits the ideal of continuing friendship," he said, expressing hope for future improvements in relations.