Japanese Foreign Minister: "Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Olympics to Be Decided at Appropriate Time"

Regarding Forced Labor Compensation Issue, "Countries Must Keep Promises... Korea Is Responsible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's Foreign Minister, said regarding the possibility of a "diplomatic boycott" of the Beijing Winter Olympics, "We will make a judgment by comprehensively considering all circumstances at an appropriate time."

At a press conference with Japanese media on the 25th, when asked about the Japanese government's response to this issue, Foreign Minister Hayashi replied, "At this point, the U.S. government's response (official position) has not been announced," indicating that Japan's position has not yet been decided.

Judging from the overall context of Foreign Minister Hayashi's remarks, it is interpreted that he sent a message that Japan may join if the United States officially announces a diplomatic boycott.

A diplomatic boycott means sending athletes but not dispatching government officials, diplomats, or political figures as delegations.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on the 18th that he is considering a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics.

Regarding the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was aimed to be realized in early last year during former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration but was indefinitely postponed due to COVID-19, Hayashi said, "We are not at the stage of adjusting specific schedules."

On the Taiwan issue, where China's possible military actions have been pointed out, he stated, "Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important not only for Japan's security but also for the stability of the international community," and emphasized the need to seek a peaceful solution through dialogue.

Regarding U.S.-China conflicts, he said he will conduct diplomacy based on a strong trust relationship with the United States to ensure that China fulfills its responsibilities as a major power.

Meanwhile, on relations with South Korea, which are strained over compensation for forced labor victims, Foreign Minister Hayashi reiterated the existing claim that the issue should be resolved as a responsibility of the South Korean government, emphasizing that "keeping promises made between countries is fundamental in international relations."