Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of the junior partner in Japan’s ruling coalition, embarked on a visit to China on Wednesday. Analysts express hope that Yamaguchi, representing the Komeito party, will uphold the party’s longstanding friendship with China, contributing to the stabilization of China-Japan relations and rectifying any misconceptions about China prevalent in Japan.
During his visit, Yamaguchi met with Cai Qi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), who urged the two ruling parties to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. Cai emphasized the importance of accurate understanding of each other’s development and strategic intentions, fostering positive and friendly mutual understanding, and collaborating to build China-Japan relations suited to the demands of the new era.
Yamaguchi is expected to hold meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, during his two-day visit. The Komeito party, known for its pacifist stance, has maintained a lasting friendship with China. Japanese media express optimism that Yamaguchi’s visit could contribute to addressing the strained China-Japan relations, particularly in the context of Japan aligning with the US in containing China and emphasizing topics such as the Taiwan question.
Coming shortly after the meeting between Chinese and Japanese top leaders in San Francisco, Yamaguchi’s visit is seen as an opportunity to sustain positive momentum, seek stable improvements in bilateral relations, and reaffirm the strategic relationship of mutual benefit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in San Francisco on November 16, where Xi stressed the need to reaffirm the strategic relationship’s positioning for mutual benefit and introduce new dimensions to the relationship.
Japanese media reports indicate that Yamaguchi is expected to present a personal letter from Prime Minister Kishida to President Xi during his visit. The Komeito party, recognized for its historical role in promoting thawing relations between China and Japan, is hoped to carry on its tradition and contribute to the long-term perspective of China-Japan relations.
Analysts emphasize that for fundamental improvement in bilateral relations, Japan needs to alter its perception of China, reducing reliance on the US’ political perspective and fostering a more independent and stable relationship with China.