The lack of mutual confidence over security issues is the source of worsened relations between Tokyo and Beijing, according to Kong Xuanyou, the Chinese Ambassador to Japan.

As China increases its military presence in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, its sharply escalated tensions with the United States continues rocking the world.

At such a turbulent time, Kong, 61, sat down for an interview with The Asahi Shimbun.

Well known for his deep insights into Japan, Kong worked at the Osaka Consulate-General in the 1980s and then served as a secretary, counselor and minister in his two deployments to the Chinese Embassy in Japan.

After becoming ambassador to Vietnam and vice minister of foreign affairs, Kong was appointed as the Chinese Ambassador to Japan in May last year.

Excerpts of the interview follow:

Question: What is your take on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Japan as a state guest?

Kong: President Xi’s visit to Japan will be extremely important in building China-Japan relations suitable for the new era. The environment and conditions ideal for the high-level meeting should be developed through various levels of dialogue.

We will be open to compiling the fifth diplomatic document (following such agreements as the Japan-China Joint Communique and the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty). In my opinion, we need to display a long-term course for bilateral relations in a proper form for citizens of both nations and the global community.

Q: China’s aggressively sending government vessels to the seas around the Senkaku Islands is greatly fueling Japan’s anti-China sentiment. Don’t you think that policy is not in line with your call for improved ties with Tokyo?

A: We closely watch the moves of the Japanese side. It should be noted first of all that the opinions of both sides stand in stark contrast to one another. We have no choice but to develop a solution that both states can accept from a long-term perspective.

Q: Do you admit that China is responsible for escalating the situation?

A: It is a misconception. There are no merits for us to escalate the situation. Our stance will never change that the Sino-Japanese relationship must be put on a path to improvement.

Q: What do you think of the Japanese public strongly criticizing the recently enforced national security legislation for Hong Kong?

A: Hong Kong is part of China. In the first place, they should recognize the issue simply involves domestic politics of China. National security falls within the responsibility of the central government. This is consistent with international standards.

Q: What element do you think hampers improvement in Japan-China ties from the Chinese standpoint?

A: A large problem is the lack of mutual trust in the security field. Leaders of both nations have exchanged opinions over the problem on a myriad of occasions.

The new China-Japan ties suitable for the new era would not be established without constructive security cooperation. Both Japan and China change. So do the environments around both sides. It will be needed for them to objectively view each other.

Q: How do you assess the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga?

A: Prime Minister Suga engaged in policy decisions to improve the relationship with China in the Abe administration and must know much about the process. I feel that the administration is eager to maintain a stable and mutually beneficial relationship to expand cooperation and interactions.

Q: What’s your opinion over growing concerns about military provocations and unintentional clashes in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait under the situation called a "new cold war" between the United States and China?

A: The sovereignty, national security and developmental benefits must be protected from any challenges. I oppose the use of the expression “new cold war.” In relations with the United States, China must fully acknowledge the responsibilities of both sides in the international community no matter what misunderstandings are between us, so that stable ties will be built.

Q: Could you explain your take on the free and open Indo-Pacific initiative?

A: We are monitoring the moves of Japan, the United States, Australia and India, and they appear to put emphasis on different points. While Japan stresses not military issues but economic development, holding intense discussions over security with a certain nation in mind like the United States does have a negative impact on regional cooperation and solidarity. That goes against the trend of the time.

Q: Do you agree to the European states’ demand that an independent inspection team be sent to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region to look into cases of forced confinement and labor, which are drawing a high level of global interest?

A: We set up vocational training centers in some areas. The measure aims to prevent extreme violence. The Xinjiang issue has nothing to do with any specific races or religions, and is only connected to anti-terrorism and anti-secession means. We will welcome anyone who wants to objectively and fairly examine the circumstances.

(This interview was conducted by Koichi Furuya.)