Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun speaks at the Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing last September. /AP Yonhap News
The Chinese and Japanese defense ministers held a meeting on the 21st and agreed to continue exchanges between defense authorities. The meeting was held while China refused to hold a meeting between the U.S. and Chinese defense ministers, taking issue with the U.S. sale of weapons to Taiwan.
Kyodo News reported on the 22nd that Japanese Defense Minister Ken Nakatani met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on the occasion of the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Enlarged Defense Ministers’ Meeting held in Laos the previous day.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that Defense Minister Nakatani repeatedly protested against the violation of Japanese airspace by Chinese military aircraft last August and requested that a recurrence be prevented. The Ministry of Defense also reported that Defense Minister Nakatani expressed serious concerns about China’s active military activities in the East China Sea.
Kyodo News reported that Director Dong expressed concern about the issue of Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands (Chinese name: Diaoyu Islands) and said that exchanges between the Chinese and Japanese defense ministries are of great significance for regional peace.
The China-Japan defense ministers’ meeting was held following measures taken by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba when they met in Lima, Peru on the 16th and agreed to promote dialogue between defense agencies to build a “strategic relationship of mutual benefit.”
The two ministers decided to resume exchanges between defense authorities that had been suspended since 2019 and to promote dialogue by appropriately utilizing the direct hotline between defense agencies.
The meeting of the defense ministers of China and Japan on this day was held while the meeting of the defense ministers of the United States and China was canceled during the ASEAN expanded defense ministers’ meeting due to China’s refusal. On the 21st, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, issued a press release in the form of a question and answer with reporters, saying, “The United States is entirely responsible for the failure to hold a meeting between the US and Chinese defense ministers.”
Spokesperson Wu said, “The United States cannot, on the one hand, undermine China’s core interests in the Taiwan issue and, on the other hand, casually interact with the Chinese military as if nothing happened,” adding, “The United States must immediately correct its mistake and protect China’s core interests.” “It is urgent to respect and create favorable conditions for the meeting of the defense ministers of the two countries,” he said.
Previously, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he wanted to meet with Director Dong, but the Chinese side refused, citing issues with the U.S. sale of weapons to Taiwan. Secretary Austin said it was “unfortunate” and that the collapse of the meeting would have an impact on the regional situation.
Last month, the United States announced plans to sell weapons worth $1.988 billion (about 2.8 trillion won) to Taiwan.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## China-Japan Defense Dialogue Amidst Regional Tensions: An Interview
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we delve into the recent meeting between the Chinese and Japanese defense ministers, a significant event occurring amidst strained regional dynamics. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. Anya Sharma, an international relations expert specializing in Asia-Pacific security, and General Lee Seung-hyun (ret.), former Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force.
**Section 1: Resuming Dialogue: A Positive Step or a Diplomatic Maneuver?**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Sharma, the dialog between the Chinese and Japanese defense ministers marks a resumption of dialog after a four-year hiatus. How significant is this development in the context of ongoing tensions between the two nations?
* **Dr. Sharma:** This resumption of dialog is certainly a positive step, offering a platform for both sides to address their concerns and build a semblance of trust. However, it’s crucial to remember that this single meeting doesn’t necessarily signal a fundamental shift in their relationship. We need to observe if this leads to sustained engagement and practical cooperation.
* **Interviewer:** General Lee, from a military perspective, what are the potential implications of this renewed dialog between China and Japan?
* **General Lee:** While dialog is always preferable to silence, we must remain cautious. China’s assertive actions in the East China Sea and its ongoing territorial dispute with Japan highlight a complex security situation. This dialog could be a step towards de-escalation, but it’s also possible that China is using it as a tactic to appease international sentiment without actually altering its strategic goals.
**Section 2: Addressing Contentious Issues: The Taiwan Factor and Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Dispute**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Sharma, during the meeting, both ministers addressed contentious issues like Taiwan and the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. How can these deeply rooted disagreements be effectively navigated through dialog?
* **Dr. Sharma:** Finding common ground on these issues is indeed a major challenge. Both sides need to demonstrate a willingness to compromise and explore creative solutions. Perhaps focusing on confidence-building measures, like establishing communication hotlines or agreeing on codes of conduct in disputed areas, could be a starting point.
* **Interviewer:** General Lee, China has been increasingly vocal about its stance on Taiwan. How do you assess the impact of this rhetoric on regional stability?
* **General Lee:** China’s increasingly assertive posture towards Taiwan poses a serious risk to regional stability. The likelihood of miscalculation or unintended escalation is high. The international community needs to encourage restraint and emphasize the importance of peaceful resolution.
**Section 3: The U.S. Factor: A Triangular Relationship in Flux**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Sharma, the cancellation of the U.S.-China defense ministers’ meeting casts a shadow on this renewed dialog. How does this triangular relationship between the U.S., China, and Japan impact the dynamics in the region?
* **Dr. Sharma:** The U.S. remains a key player in the region, and its relations with China and Japan have significant ramifications. The cancellation of the U.S.-China meeting indicates a deepening rift between the two superpowers, which could create a vacuum that others, including Japan, might seek to fill.
* **Interviewer:** General Lee, what are the potential implications of China’s stance on arms sales to Taiwan for the security architecture of East Asia?
* **General Lee:** China sees the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as a direct threat to its core interests. This situation could lead to an arms race and further militarization of the region, making it even more volatile.
**Outro:**
The meeting between the Chinese and Japanese defense ministers offers a glimmer of hope for improved relations amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
Whether this dialog will lead to lasting peace and stability in the region depends on the willingness of all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialog, address their concerns constructively, and prioritize diplomatic solutions. Thank you to our distinguished guests for sharing their insights.
