In today's international landscape where multipolarization and globalization are intertwined, the security dynamics in East Asia have attracted particular attention. Against this background, Japan, as an important Asian country, undoubtedly has important strategic significance in its military and diplomatic tactics reflected in the adjustment of its China policy and personnel changes. The relationship between Japan and China has always been complex and varied, including territorial disputes, historical issues, and security challenges. Japan's change of ambassador to China, in a larger geopolitical context, is not just a simple personnel change, but also a part of its foreign policy adjustment and strategic layout. Kenji Kanesugi took over the post of Japanese ambassador to China, representing a new trend in Kishida's Sino-Japanese relations.
However, although their efforts have contributed to the stability of Sino-Japanese relations, contradictions and frictions between the two sides still occur from time to time in the face of many thorny issues. For example, there are still considerable differences between the two countries on territorial sovereignty, historical disputes, military security, and so on. In particular, the dispute between the two countries over the Diaoyu Islands has become the focus of public attention. Kishida** has changed three important ambassadors abroad at the same time in a short period of time, reflecting the urgency and importance of his foreign policy adjustment. During this period, changes in the relations between the United States, China, Japan, and Russia added a complex background to these personnel changes. In particular, under the influence of fluctuations in Sino-US relations and Russia's actions in the international arena, it is particularly important for Japan to adjust its policies toward China, the United States, and Russia.
The press conference held shortly after Kenji Kanesugi took office became an important window for the outside world to interpret Japan's attitude toward China. At the news conference, Kenji Kanesugi put forward three demands, which became a key point in analyzing Japan's China policy. The first requirement concerns the issue of Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge, and Kanesugi stressed the importance of dialogue with China and looked forward to the early holding of expert-level consultations. This request shows that Japan is trying to ease tensions with China through dialogue in dealing with international pressure and environmental issues. However, for China, this issue is a highly sensitive and complex issue involving marine environmental protection and regional security.
Kanesugi Kenji made clear claims to China and warned them not to enter the Diaoyu Islands, a stance that undoubtedly heightened tensions between the two countries. As the military activities in the waters around the Diaoyu Islands demonstrate, this area is not only the focus of territorial disputes, but also an important arena for Sino-Japanese security strategic interaction. At the same time that Kanesugi Kenji put forward these demands, Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations were also under pressure. The sharp decline in Japan's food exports to China, especially the suspension of imports of aquatic products, has affected the stability of bilateral economic exchanges. This change not only has a significant impact on Japanese exporters, but also reflects the fact that economic and trade trust in China-Japan relations is being tested.
In the current ever-changing international environment, China and Japan, as important countries in Asia, shoulder the common responsibility of maintaining regional peace and stability. Based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, the two sides should explore effective ways to resolve disputes through active dialogue and constructive cooperation, so as to promote the healthy development of bilateral relations.
Whether it is the discharge of nuclear wastewater, suspicions of espionage, or the dispute over the maritime rights of the Diaoyu Islands, only open communication and strengthened cooperation can resolve differences, enhance mutual trust, and jointly address regional and global challenges. Kishida** and his new ambassador to China, Kenji Kanesugi, should fully recognize the complexity of the issue and the importance of bilateral cooperation on the road of promoting the progress of China-Japan relations. By understanding each other's positions with a constructive attitude and an open mind, and finding mutually beneficial and win-win solutions on this basis, China-Japan relations will surely open a new chapter and make greater contributions to peace and development in East Asia and the world at large.