As remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have strained China-Japan relations, China has officially confirmed that the China-Japan-South Korea summit, which was being considered for later this year, will not be held.
On the 24th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning held a briefing and responded to reports that China had rejected Japan's proposal to host the trilateral summit by stating, "China, Japan, and South Korea have not reached any agreement regarding the 10th summit session."
She added, "Recently, a Japanese leader made openly incorrect statements regarding the Taiwan issue, undermining the foundation and atmosphere for cooperation. As a result, the conditions necessary to hold the summit are currently not in place."
The China-Japan-South Korea summit rotates the chairmanship among the three countries. Japan, as this year's chair, had been pushing to hold the summit within the year, but had been exploring the possibility of scheduling it for January next year, taking into account the extraordinary session of the National Diet and other factors.
However, Kyodo News reported that China recently conveyed to relevant countries through diplomatic channels that it "cannot agree to the summit because Prime Minister Takaichi has not responded appropriately."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry again urged Prime Minister Takaichi to retract her remarks and called for reflection from Japan.
Spokesperson Mao stated, "We have noted that Japan recently said its stance on the Taiwan issue remains consistent," and questioned, "What exactly does Japan mean by this 'consistent stance'? Is Japan truly able to publicly and fully articulate this so-called consistent position?"
She continued, "If Japan merely repeats the concept of an 'unchanging stance' without providing concrete details, while its actions repeatedly cross the line, then these are empty words and, in fact, undermine the 'One China' principle."
She further urged, "China calls on Japan to take China's solemn demands seriously, to genuinely reflect and correct its actions, to fulfill its commitments to China through concrete measures, and to refrain from stubbornness."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also reacted sharply to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's remarks on defense plans, including missile deployment, following his inspection of Ishigaki and Yonaguni islands, which are close to Taiwan, on November 22-23.
Spokesperson Mao said, "Japan is deliberately heightening regional tensions and fueling military confrontation by deploying offensive weapons to the southwestern islands near Taiwan," and added, "When combined with Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, this is extremely dangerous."
She further emphasized, "China will never allow the revival of Japanese militarism. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its national territorial sovereignty."
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