Photo: @MofaJapan_en Jan 28
politics

Old hands worry Kono's Twitter diplomacy sends wrong message on China

37 Comments

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37 Comments
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Old hands ? If smiling face is wrong message, then what is correct, crying face ?

5 ( +13 / -8 )

There is no reason for politicians to use Twitter. In fact, there really isn't anyone who needs to use Twitter.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

Those old hands law makers can be a good comedians too. They made me laugh and rolling. In 1401, a Chinese emperor conferred upon a Japanese shogun the title “King of Japan.” Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408) was overjoyed at this mark of distinction. In a letter he sent via a trading delegation to Emperor Hung Wu, founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shogun Yoshimitsu willingly struck the pose expected of him: “In fear and dread, kneeling again and again, I respectfully state … ”

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

Old hands worry Kono's Twitter diplomacy sends wrong message on China

What message do the old hands want to send?

8 ( +10 / -2 )

god forbid people of different countries act human and get along. noooooooooooooooooooo

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Shogun Yoshimitsu willingly struck the pose expected of him: “In fear and dread, kneeling again and again, I respectfully state … ”

I see it’s quite a turn on for you. Japan will not bow to China in this day and age.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

I'm liking Kono more and more, and love his remark at the end of this article. These "old hands" are the arses that would see Japan go to war before they think it should give an inch in relations.

""even though Kono protested the Chinese submarine near the Senkakus, he won't be taken seriously if he dabbles in photos with Chinese officials."

He'll be taken seriously by a whole lot more people than he will if he makes bombast and threats, like you would have him do. And THOSE people who would take him seriously for said bombast and threats aren't worth a spit. They worried there might not be war with China if Kono makes nice?

7 ( +14 / -7 )

I think this is a great photo. The LDP fogies should chill out. Hwa Chunying is globally famous for making Chinese Foreign Ministry statements that sound utterly ridiculous to the rest of the world. Rather than vilifying her for doing her job this photo shows her as an individual person. How the Chinese Foreign Ministry will interpret this though may be another matter. They may see Kono showing her off as a "paper tiger".

10 ( +12 / -2 )

As if being grumpy and tough wins negotiations.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

This selfie prooves the integral bonds between Japan and China. Even though disagreeing, you are sharing the same waves. That from time to time moves up and down.

I am greatful that Kono acknowledges this. This has to be a heavy blow to Abe’s nationalistic campaign! You can’t change the course of history, Abe.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Great shot, and great humour between neighbours. Why not?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

There is no reason for politicians to use Twitter. In fact, there really isn't anyone who needs to use Twitter.

I agree, but there is also no reason to react so strongly.

These old guys embody the definition of "overreaction".

"Taking a chummy photo with someone like that isn't diplomacy, it's offering tribute to China."

And "paranoia" too.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

If anything, some of the politicians' reactions to this is the one that's sending the wrong message.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

seems pretty harmless

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The photo is beautiful. Those old hands are just sour grapes. If they get chance, they will kiss Hua's big toes, believe me.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

"Oh no, one of our ministers isn't hating the Chinese enough, he must be a traitor!"

0 ( +4 / -4 )

A nice picture. Actually a great picture. I feel better about the relationship between the two countries after looking at this picture.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Its a photo. I recall seeing many very chummy photos between world leaders and foreign ministers over the years among people that were otherwise assumed to be opposed in some way. It does nothing to change the reality on the ground.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think this is a great photo. The LDP fogies should chill out. Hwa Chunying is globally famous for making Chinese Foreign Ministry statements that sound utterly ridiculous to the rest of the world. Rather than vilifying her for doing her job this photo shows her as an individual person.

+1000%

Always see her on the news making silly claims and wondering if she really believes in the stuff is spouting, but this photo proves she (and Kono) is an individual just like you, me and everyone else.

In fact, I personally feel that this one photo has done more good than all the years of "old hand" diplomacy since the Senkaku were nationalised some 5 or 6 years ago...

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I have to say that this world is full of fake news. Japan and China have very normal and good relationship. People are visiting each other bigly, business and trade are going heavily. As Abe said, it is inseparable.

"Empress Michiko recalled that when she was a little girl, her textbooks contained many Chinese poems and articles. Thinking back to a song recounting how large China is and how broad the Chinese mind is, she was even able to recite all the lyrics by heart.

She also said that plum blossom was described in detail in the famous Japanese literature works Manyoshu, reflecting the influence of Chinese culture. Japanese people began to depict cherry blossom after the 10th Century AD, but previous to that era, the flower that was most talked about was the plum blossom.

Emperor Akihito went on to explain that many Japanese royal family rituals were related to Chinese traditions. For instance, in the past the Empress needed to wear the "phoenix coronet and decorated shawl" when attending a ceremony, just as a Chinese Empress would do. He also said his alternative courtesy name - "Rong", meaning tung – also had Chinese connections, as Japan had a similar legend telling how the phoenix will fly to the tung tree, which is a sign of luck and prosperity."

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Gotta throw his hat in the ring for PM next time round.

More in touch with reality than your average oyaji in the house.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

“When I saw so many smiles from small children held up by their parents close to the window of our car on the (Shanghai) streets, and how they welcomed (us) fully in the same way Japanese do, I almost thought they were Japanese,” the Empress told the party. “I realized the Japanese and Chinese share the same culture.”

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Love what Kono is doing. There may be issues between China and Japan but that doesnt mean a little smile and friendliness is gonna destroy Japan's position on the issues.

Too many old haters in this country. Need to lighten up.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

uhhhh... the one “old hater” is retired and of no consequence.

The one who made a fuss about it at the diet session was Hiroyuki Konishi (46) of the Minshinto.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If status, rank and position of power are of such importance to Mr Konishi, he should then refuse to be photographed with anyone of lower status than himself. Likewise he should not me photographed with anyone in a superior position to his.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Old hands don't know how to selfie so they are darn jealous of Kono!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Picture's cute lol

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Why are people so concerned about "status" when taking a goddamn photo?

Of all the things to be worried about.... seriously.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

This photo could be historical, no one knows. in 1000 year, this photo will vividly express the relationship between Japan and China, husband and wife. It is so genuine.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

They make a nice looking couple. With the decline of the American presence, Japan needs to rethink its relationship with China. Are these rocks worth fighting a war? I would encourage peace vs war. I think peace with China is possible.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I stil think Kono has a great chance to succeed Abe. He even knows how to tweet. Politicians have to hook along with outside worlprogress.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Maybe older ones are jealous?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Yet China is a member of the new Trans Pacific Partnership while the USA is not a member. Trump wants to renegotiate all of the trade treaties. They will only be approved if they are favorable to the USA and unfavorable to the other nations. We have so much in common with China. Clearly the road to peace with China is the right road. Once the Americans bases are gone, Japan will no longer be a target. China would gain nothing by attacking Japan. I think Kono would be a great replacement for Abe.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

YuriOtani, why would China attack Japan ? If China doesn't like Japan, she can simply take away the name of the nation. "日本“ is the name granted by Empress Wu in Tang Dynasty.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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