Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi said Japan must utilize soft power to repair diplomatic relations following tensions over Taiwan [1].
The diplomatic rift threatens economic stability and regional security between the two East Asian neighbors. The friction intensified after Prime Minister Takaichi said that a Chinese armed attack on Taiwan would likely constitute a survival threat to Japan [3].
In a recent interview in Beijing, Kanasugi said the challenges of navigating the current political climate. He said that people often suffer from a normalization bias, seeing only what they want or expect to see [1]. This psychological barrier, he said, can hinder an accurate understanding of the current state of bilateral relations.
Kanasugi, who began his posting in Beijing three years ago [1], said he was surprised at the pace of Chinese development. He said the speed and scale of innovation in China far exceeded his own imagination [1].
The tension has already manifested in tangible diplomatic actions. Following the Prime Minister's remarks, the Chinese government called for its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan [2]. While some sources suggest these measures may be precursors to further sanctions, the ambassador continues to advocate for open dialogue [1], [2].
Kanasugi said that relying on cultural and social influence, rather than strictly political or military rhetoric, is essential for stabilizing the relationship. He said that recognizing China's internal growth and technological advancements is a necessary step toward a more pragmatic diplomatic approach [1].
“China's speed and scale of innovation far exceeded my own imagination.”
The shift toward 'soft power' diplomacy suggests that Japan recognizes the limits of security-focused rhetoric in managing its relationship with Beijing. By acknowledging China's rapid innovation and urging a move past 'normalization bias,' the Japanese embassy is attempting to create a pragmatic channel for communication that can coexist with the security concerns raised by Prime Minister Takaichi.
