Japanese Foreign Minister urges China to address security concerns in the East and South China Sea

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met and had lunch with his/her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, with their discussions focusing on a range of issues including economic cooperation, security concerns in the East China and South China Sea, and regional… and global challenges such as Taiwan, Ukraine and North Korea.

The two foreign ministers agreed to comprehensively promote “mutually beneficial relations based on common strategic interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” Japan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Agreed on this under Disha. They will make joint efforts to mitigate issues and concerns and enhance cooperation and coordination. The two Ministers reaffirmed that they will further strengthen communications at various levels and across a wide range of areas, accelerate necessary consultations and work, and make maximum efforts to achieve concrete results, using opportunities including high-level communication and dialogue between the leaders. do. And the Foreign Minister.”

During the meeting Minister Iwaya expressed Japan’s serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, including the situation around the Senkaku Islands, and the intensification of Chinese military activities, buoys and China’s unilateral development of natural resources. And urged the Chinese side to address these issues.

The Japanese Foreign Minister also expressed concern about the South China Sea and other situations, and regarding Taiwan, he/she said that Japan is closely monitoring relevant developments, including recent military activities, and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Repeated the matter. Is extremely important for the international community including Japan.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional issues such as the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East and the response to North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue.

“The two foreign ministers also reaffirmed that Japan and China have an important responsibility in the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community and actively engaged in dialogue on the regional situation and global issues,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. “

According to Kyodo News, it was Iwaya’s first visit to China as Japan’s top diplomat. The last time a Japanese foreign minister visited China was in April 2023 when Yoshimasa Hayashi visited Beijing.