Originally published on July 8, 2019.
The core of the U.S.-China confrontation is not merely economic friction, but the very nature of the Chinese state, including its human rights record.
In this passage, through a dialogue with Yoshiko Sakurai and others, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks candidly about China’s gap between words and actions, the continued incursions around the Senkaku Islands, the four conditions tied to the Belt and Road Initiative, and his determination to resolve the North Korean abduction issue.
It is a revealing piece that shows clearly what Japanese diplomacy sought to defend and assert in coordination with the international community.

2019-07-08
Even if the adverse effects on the economy are to be contained, I believe that what President Trump and the United States are now questioning is the very nature of China as a state, including its human rights problems.
The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.
China’s Inconsistency Between Words and Deeds
Sakurai
Even if the adverse effects on the economy are to be contained, I believe that what President Trump and the United States are now questioning is the very nature of China as a state, including its human rights problems.
The attitude on the American side that “this cannot be tolerated” is growing stronger and stronger.
On the other hand, China has not softened its hard-line stance that “it will not yield at all on matters of principle.”
Of course, the possibility that the United States and China may dramatically reconcile is not zero.
However, the confrontation between these two countries is quite serious, and I believe it may continue over a long period of time.
Abe
For Japan, China is our largest trading partner.
Japan-China relations are also extremely important for the development of the Japanese economy.
On the other hand, the United States is an irreplaceable ally for Japan.
In that context, as I mentioned earlier, it is a fact that there are many issues on the Chinese side.
China must seriously address those issues.
At the G20 Osaka Summit, there is likely to be a U.S.-China summit meeting, and so I would like to pay close attention to the outcome of that meeting.
Roi
At present, Chinese ships believed to be armed have been entering the contiguous zone around the Senkaku Islands for sixty-two consecutive days as of June 13.
This is the longest consecutive stretch since the nationalization of the Senkaku Islands.
China is carrying out a smiling diplomacy toward Japan and staging Japan-China friendship, while at the same time continuing its incursions toward the Senkakus.
I feel a strong sense of indignation and ask, “What friendship is this?”
What has the United States furious is precisely this inconsistency between China’s words and deeds.
While speaking of friendship and cooperation, it is not backing that up with action at all.
Such distortions can be seen in every aspect of China, including trade, the economy, and security.
Abe
Under the Abe administration, Japan-China relations have improved.
In May of last year, Premier Li Keqiang visited Japan, and in October I made an official visit to China, the first by a Japanese prime minister in seven years, and held a summit meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Japan-China relations have returned to a normal track.
But at the same time, on issues involving the principles of the state, such as our territory, territorial waters, airspace, and security, we have absolutely no intention of compromising.
Regarding the incursions into the territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands as well, the members of the Japan Coast Guard are engaged every day in difficult and demanding duties and are splendidly fulfilling their role, and we too are responding resolutely.
I have directly conveyed even to President Xi Jinping that “China must not misjudge Japan’s resolve and determination.”
We must clearly say what must be said.
That is what matters.
Regarding the Belt and Road Initiative as well, Japan has long strongly insisted that, for Japan to cooperate, each project must satisfy four conditions: debt sustainability for the recipient country through proper financing, openness of the project, transparency, and economic viability.
As a result, at the recent G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Fukuoka, an agreed document containing these four conditions was issued.
China also agreed to this document in which the four principles were clearly stated.
This is solely the result of Japan having continued to assert its position while involving the international community.
Of course, China must properly carry this out.
An inconsistency between words and deeds cannot be tolerated.
I believe that in diplomacy it is extremely important to say what must be said in this way, and to make such assertions together with the international community.
Direct Talks with Chairman Kim Jong Un
Sakurai
There are experts in Japan who disparage Prime Minister Abe’s diplomacy toward China by saying, “It is outrageous to cooperate with the Belt and Road Initiative,” but after hearing what you have just said, I think many citizens will feel reassured.
Further, I would like to ask about the North Korean issue, which is also connected with China.
You have stated that “you are determined to meet Chairman Kim Jong Un without conditions.”
In response, a North Korean spokesman sharply criticized you, saying that you were “brazen” and that “the skin of your face is as thick as the sole of a bear’s foot” (Korean Central News Agency, June 2), using such an extreme metaphor that one marvels that such a comparison could even be conceived.
Abe
I have been criticized by North Korea ever since I was a young politician and deputy chief cabinet secretary, so I have built up an immunity to it.
In 2018, the first U.S.-North Korea summit meeting was held in Singapore, and the leaders of the United States and North Korea agreed on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Japan intends to support this U.S.-North Korea process for the sake of security in East Asia as well.
At the same time, regarding the abduction issue, which is the most important matter for Japan, I too have worked on it with Ms. Sakurai since I was young.
Since the return of five abductees in 2002, not a single additional victim has been able to return.
As one of the politicians who has worked on this issue from the beginning, this is a source of the deepest anguish for me.
For the earliest possible resolution of this all-important abduction issue, I am determined that next I myself must face Chairman Kim Jong Un directly.
I want to meet Chairman Kim without preconditions and speak frankly and openly with him.
President Trump, too, has given me strong support for this determination of mine, saying that he fully supports it and will spare no effort in providing every possible assistance.
Unfortunately, there is absolutely no prospect at this point for a Japan-North Korea summit meeting.
However, Japan’s policy remains unchanged.
Based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, we will comprehensively resolve the outstanding issues of abductions, nuclear weapons, and missiles, settle the unfortunate past, and aim for the normalization of diplomatic relations.
As the families of the victims are also advancing in age, we will continue to work closely with the United States, miss no opportunity, and act decisively.
When I meet the family members, they say to me, “In any case, please somehow resolve this under the Abe administration,” and so I am determined that I must accomplish this by any means necessary.
To be continued.