Japan and China clash over Beijing's actions in the Indo-Pacific
- In Reports
- 06:20 PM, Apr 20, 2024
- Myind Staff
China has responded to Japan's latest assessment of the threat posed by Beijing to the Indo-Pacific region, dismissing it as an exaggerated threat and baseless accusation. As per Japanese media reports, the annual Diplomatic Bluebook published by the Japanese Foreign Ministry labels China's military activities as the "greatest strategic challenge."
However, an official English version of the Bluebook has not yet been released. The Bluebook is said to denounce China's actions in the South China Sea and its efforts to alter the status quo in both the East and South China Sea.
Japanese media reported that, for the first time since 2019, Japan expressed its intention to establish "a mutually beneficial relationship" with China "based on common strategic interests" in its latest Diplomatic Bluebook.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected Japan's criticisms during a news briefing, accusing Japan of resorting to "the same old false accusations against China" and hyping the "China threat" in its 2024 Diplomatic Bluebook.
He urged Japan to change its approach and focus on building a constructive and stable relationship with China.
Yuki Tatsumi, Director of the Japan Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center, highlighted Japan's concerns about China's aggressive behaviour in the East and South China Sea, which have heightened in recent years.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected to meet in early May in Hawaii. They will reportedly discuss the establishment of a proposed allied command and control structure, as well as a body to identify the types of weapons that both countries will develop and produce together. These plans were announced during a bilateral summit in Washington on April 10.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) announced plans for a naval deployment starting May 3, involving six surface ships, submarines, and two air units. The deployment aims to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, with visits to over a dozen countries including the U.S., India, and the Philippines.
Daniel Sneider from Stanford University noted Tokyo's balanced approach towards China amid regional tensions. Sneider noted that China perceives any efforts by Korea and Japan to enhance relations as a display of weakness.
China, Japan, and South Korea are scheduled to conduct trilateral talks in May, marking the first such meeting since 2019. The meeting will take place in Seoul, preceding a trilateral summit in July involving Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Image source: ANI
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