Kihara emphasised that China’s recognition is contrary to Japan’s view.
Regarding the notice, observers say that China is applying pressure on the Japanese government to retract the remark. However, Tokyo has no intention of withdrawing it.
A senior Foreign Ministry official said that the remark is nothing more than the government’s conventional position.
“China is testing us. If we show any weakness, they will come at us even more strongly,” another government official said.
Meanwhile, some government and ruling coalition members show concern that the deterioration in the bilateral relations might become unstoppable.
AloJapan.com