Maintaining a friendly, cooperative relationship with China best choice for Japan, also benefits China and world: former Japanese ambassador to China

Editor's Note:

Yuji Miyamoto (Miyamoto), the newly appointed president of the Japan-China Friendship Center and former Japanese ambassador to China, recently visited China for the first time in his new role. For over half a century, this renowned Japanese diplomat, also a prominent China hand in Japan, has been active at the forefront of China-Japan exchanges, having worked in Beijing for more than 10 years and traveled extensively throughout China. In an exclusive interview with Global Times (GT) reporters Xing Xiaojing and Xu Keyue in Beijing, he emphasized that maintaining a friendly and cooperative relationship with China is the best choice for Japan.

GT: From being at the forefront of government-to-government exchanges as Japan's ambassador to China from 2006 to 2010 to being at the forefront of people-to-people exchanges as the new president of the Japan-China Friendship Center, how do you feel about visiting China in this new role?

Miyamoto: Through my work in civil society, I have realized that while Japan-China relations may have experienced some ups and downs, exchanges between the two countries have never truly ceased. Many people still look forward to strengthening interactions at all levels. This instills in me a deep sense of responsibility and encourages me to lead the Japan-China Friendship Center in expanding exchanges across think tanks, media and youth sectors.

In addition to meeting with Chinese institutions closely associated with the center during this trip, I hope to convey to the Chinese public that most Japanese people are eager to understand and also value their relationship with the real China.

The Japan-China Friendship Center will continue to work toward stabilizing and improving bilateral relations, and we hope more people will get involved, which will undoubtedly create a "1+1 > 2" effect.

GT: Recently, nine candidates announced that they would run in the Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)'s presidential election. Given the current uncertainty in Japan's political landscape, how do you view the future trajectory of China-Japan relations?

Miyamoto: While it is difficult to predict who will become Japan's new prime minister at this stage, one thing is certain - whoever is elected should prioritize relations with China and strengthen ties with the country.

Japan and China should stick to the right direction of peaceful development, which has been made very clear in the four political documents. The majority of the Japanese public cares about China, and it is the common aspiration of the Japanese people to genuinely improve bilateral relations. People-to-people exchanges are a crucial foundation for the relationship between the two countries. If two peoples can understand, respect and trust each other, there is no need to worry about the bilateral relationship. Objectively speaking, maintaining a friendly and cooperative relationship with China is the best choice for Japan. This is not an emotional statement; in fact, it is also beneficial for China, for Asia and for the entire world, and I am very confident about this.

GT: However, some voices have suggested that Japan is somewhat distancing itself from China and leaning more toward the US. This impression appears to have strengthened compared to the past. What are your thoughts on this?

Miyamoto: While the relationship with the US is certainly important for Japan, it does not mean that Japan should rely on the US to determine its future. The majority of the Japanese public hopes that the government will adopt a foreign policy that better aligns with its own interests. To develop the economy, a peaceful and stable international environment is essential. The Japanese government has a responsibility to improve relations with neighboring countries in response to the expectations of its citizens. In today's era of economic globalization, maintaining peaceful, secure and stable relations between Japan and China is of significant importance for Asia and the world.

GT: October 1, 2024, will welcome the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. You have a long-standing connection with the country, having first visited China at the young age of 28 in 1974. From your perspective, how would you assess the developments that China has experienced over these 75 years?

Miyamoto: A great power like China achieving such significant accomplishments in such a short time and at such a rapid pace is unprecedented in human history. It is the result of the collective efforts of all Chinese people.

In fact, my connection with China began even earlier than what is publicly documented. When I was in junior high school, I read an article about China in a magazine subscribed to by my older brother, and I was deeply impressed by this neighboring country. Each time I visit China, I can feel the profound changes taking place in this land.

In 1974, at the age of 28, I accompanied then-Japanese foreign minister Masayoshi Ohira on a visit to China, marking my first trip to the Chinese mainland. I still clearly remember that at that time, Japan and China had not yet signed an aviation agreement (signed in April 1974), and there were no direct flights between Tokyo and Beijing. On January 2, 1974, we first traveled from Tokyo to Hong Kong, then to Guangzhou, and only arrived in Beijing on January 4. Now, there are many direct flights between Tokyo and Beijing every day, with the travel time reduced to about three hours.

From 1981 to 1983, I worked at the Japanese Embassy in China for the first time. At that time, ordinary Chinese citizens were still unsure of how to interact with foreigners. Some were genuinely warm-hearted yet tried to avoid contact with foreigners. However, now we can see an increasing number of Chinese people expressing their voices on the international stage, engaging in meaningful exchanges of ideas with people from around the world, and showcasing their demeanor.

At the recently concluded Paris Olympics and Paralympics, Chinese athletes achieved remarkable results. During my tenure as Japan's ambassador to China, I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, an experience that remains vivid in my memory. I believe that was a turning point - the Beijing Olympics served as an opportunity for China to begin showcasing its confidence in various areas, including the economy, sports and culture.

GT: These changes in China indicate that the country is becoming more self-assured. Could you elaborate on the origins of this shift?

Miyamoto: China's confidence stems, on the one hand, from the tangible achievements it has made, and on the other hand, from its rich traditional culture and historical heritage. Additionally, the improvement in China's economic status has significantly altered both China's and its people's understanding of the world, leading to a greater global recognition of China's importance on the world stage.

Looking back at the extraordinary achievements made over the past 75 years, all Chinese people have contributed to this effort, and it is something to be immensely proud of! 

While developing itself, China has also taken on more international responsibilities, playing the role of a "big brother" to help promote harmonious development in the Global South. As an old friend of the Chinese people, I genuinely feel happy for China. Looking ahead, we have reason to expect that China will fulfill its responsibilities in building a global community of shared future.