How Japan became the first nation to end China's isolation
After the bloody crackdown in Tiananmen Square, many countries cut diplomatic ties with Beijing. Japan's prime minister at the time, Toshiki Kaifu, travelled to Beijing in 1991 on an official visit. In doing so, he became the first of what Beijing considered Western leaders to visit.
Twenty-five years ago, when China was isolated by the world, officials in Tokyo offered a lifeline.
After the bloody crackdown in Tiananmen Square, many countries cut diplomatic ties with Beijing. Japan's prime minister at the time, Toshiki Kaifu, travelled to Beijing in 1991 on an official visit. In doing so, he became the first of what Beijing considered Western leaders to visit.
In his memoir, Ten Episodes in China's Diplomacy, ex-vice-premier and foreign minister Qian Qichen said Japan was reluctant to support sanctions and was quick to resume assistance loans in 1990.
"Of course, Japan did this for its own interests. But as the weakest link in Western sanctions against China, Japan has provided the best point of breakthrough for China to break Western sanctions," Qian wrote.
Japan [was] the best point of breakthrough for ... Western sanctions
Gao Hong, deputy director of Japanese studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the two countries' relationship was largely stable in the 1980s.