Former Japanese Ambassador to China Calls for Risk Management in Bilateral Ties

Hideo Tarumi, the former Japanese ambassador to China who coined the "strategic and mutually beneficial" relationship concept for bilateral ties two decades ago, has called on Tokyo to reduce its overreliance on that slogan and instead place greater emphasis on risk management.

The remarks come amid persistent tensions in Japan-China relations. Tarumi stressed that maintaining a symbolic slogan is not enough to address the practical challenges facing the two countries.

According to the former ambassador, focusing on risk management would help Japan respond more effectively to disagreements and emerging situations, rather than relying solely on statements of principle. The call is seen as an appeal for Tokyo to adjust its approach to Beijing in the current period.