China has called on Japan to uphold the political commitments that underpin bilateral relations, as Beijing marked the 54th anniversary of the China-Japan Joint Statement that normalized diplomatic relations between the two countries.

At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the China-Japan Joint Statement, along with three other political documents between the two countries, remains the political and legal foundation of bilateral relations.

Guo said that 54 years ago, the older generation of Chinese and Japanese leaders demonstrated what he described as “extraordinary political vision and courage” by signing the joint statement.

According to Guo, Japan acknowledged in the 1972 document its responsibility for the war and stated that it “deeply reproaches itself” over its actions. Japan also recognized the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China.

The spokesperson further highlighted the statement’s reference to Taiwan, saying Japan had stated that it “fully understands and respects” the position of the Chinese government that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.

China says the four political documents established principles for addressing major issues between the two countries, particularly historical questions and Taiwan. Guo argued that these principles should not be distorted, reversed or undermined.

China-Japan relations face serious tensions

Guo said that more than five decades after normalization, China-Japan relations are again facing a difficult situation.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing believes the root cause is what it describes as serious damage to the political foundation of bilateral relations.

Guo criticized Japan’s current leadership over statements concerning Taiwan. He said the Japanese leader has failed to properly reflect on Japan’s history of aggression and has suggested that a contingency involving Taiwan could constitute a situation threatening Japan’s survival.

Beijing described such remarks as a challenge to China’s sovereignty and as inconsistent with the commitments made when diplomatic relations were normalized.

Guo also accused Japan of promoting what China calls an “external threat” narrative to accelerate its remilitarization. He argued that such developments could challenge the postwar international order and create risks for regional peace and stability.

China calls for Japan to correct Taiwan-related statements

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Japan should return to what Beijing considers the principles established by the four political documents.

Guo referred to remarks made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with Takeshi Iwaya, head of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade.

According to Guo, Wang said Japan’s immediate priority should be to correct what China considers erroneous statements and actions by Japanese leaders concerning Taiwan.

Beijing also called on Japan to adopt what it described as a correct attitude toward historical issues and develop an objective and rational understanding of China.

Guo urged the Japanese government to reflect on what China described as its recent wrongdoings and take concrete steps to return to the purpose and principles of the four political documents.

China declines to comment on possible Russia-China-U.S. leaders’ meeting

During the same briefing, TASS asked China about comments from a Kremlin spokesperson suggesting that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen could provide an opportunity for a trilateral meeting involving the leaders of Russia, China and the United States.

Guo Jiakun said China, as this year’s APEC host, is prepared to work with all parties to achieve positive results during the “China Year” of APEC and contribute to economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

However, when asked specifically about the possibility of a trilateral meeting between the Russian, Chinese and U.S. leaders, Guo said he had no information to share at that time.

China rejects Philippine maritime chart

The briefing also addressed tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Shenzhen TV asked about reports that the Philippine National Maritime Council had unveiled an updated maritime chart on September 25 that included islands and reefs claimed by China in the Nansha Qundao, including Zhongye Dao and Mahuan Dao.

Guo said China considers Zhongye Dao and Mahuan Dao to be part of the Nansha Qundao and Chinese territory.

He reiterated Beijing’s position that China has what it calls “indisputable sovereignty” over the Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters.

China also argued that the territorial scope of the Philippines is defined by several international treaties and maintained that China’s Nanhai Zhudao, including the Nansha Qundao, fall outside that scope.

Beijing accuses Philippines of violating Chinese sovereignty

Guo accused the Philippines of illegally occupying several islands and reefs in the Nansha Qundao and of designating the so-called “Kalayaan Island Group” beyond what China considers Philippine territory.

He also criticized the updated Philippine maritime chart for including islands and reefs claimed by China.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing considers these actions serious violations of China’s territorial sovereignty as well as the UN Charter and relevant international law.

Guo described the actions as “illegal, null and void” from China’s perspective.

China says it will defend maritime interests

China said it firmly opposes actions by the Philippines that Beijing believes harm its sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea.

Guo added that China would continue taking what it considers necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the region.

The latest statements highlight several areas of continuing tension in East Asia, including China-Japan historical relations, Taiwan, Japan’s security policy and competing territorial and maritime claims between China and the Philippines.

While Beijing says the four China-Japan political documents provide the foundation for bilateral relations, its latest comments indicate that Taiwan and historical issues remain central points of disagreement between China and Japan. At the same time, the dispute over maritime claims in the South China Sea continues to be a major point of contention between China and the Philippines.