Japan's Top Diplomat in China Missing for 10 Months

For nearly a year, Japan has had no ambassador in one of China's most important cities. The post of consul-general in Chongqing has been empty since last July. This vacancy is a clear sign of ongoing political tensions between the two Asian powers. Diplomatic relations have been strained for years over issues including disputed islands and China's military expansion. The Chongqing consulate is a key Japanese diplomatic office. It oversees a vast region in southwest China. An empty seat this long is highly unusual and suggests difficulty in finding a candidate acceptable to both governments. Japan's Foreign Ministry confirmed the vacancy but did not give a reason for the delay. They stated only that the appointment process is ongoing. Other major Japanese diplomatic posts in China, like the ambassador in Beijing, remain filled. However, the empty chair in Chongqing shows that behind the scenes, significant friction remains.