According to reliable sources within the Japanese government, Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi has initiated preparations to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China, aiming to schedule the meeting by the end of the year at the earliest opportunity.
This meeting would represent a significant diplomatic moment, as it would be the first visit to China by a Japanese foreign minister since April of the previous year, also notably marking the inaugural face-to-face engagement between Iwaya and Wang since both officials assumed their respective roles.
The arrangements for this meeting arise in the wake of a recent encounter between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Peru earlier this month, where both leaders underscored their commitment to facilitating mutual visits by their foreign ministers, fostering a more robust bilateral dialogue.
Iwaya has conveyed his determination to actively pursue and expedite the realization of these high-level visits, keen to establish a mutual understanding with Wang about their collective aspirations toward building constructive and stable bilateral relations.
In addition to discussing diplomatic ties, Iwaya is eager to engage in discussions regarding the prompt resumption of Chinese imports of Japanese seafood, an issue of considerable importance. The two countries reached a preliminary agreement in September aimed at reinstating these import activities.
The suspension of these imports originated in August of the previous year when China halted them in response to Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant operator beginning the discharge of treated and diluted water into the ocean, a move that raised environmental concerns.
Water used to cool the molten fuel inside the plant has been interacting with rain and groundwater, leading to the accumulation of treated water that, despite being processed to eliminate most radioactive elements, still contains tritium, a radioactive isotope.
Prior to the release of the treated water into the ocean, the plant’s operator undertakes a process of dilution to ensure that tritium levels are reduced to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization’s recommended limit for drinking water, a step aimed at addressing public health concerns.
Furthermore, the Japanese government is actively seeking to extend an invitation to Wang to visit Japan shortly after Iwaya’s upcoming trip to China, as part of ongoing efforts to improve and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
**Interview with Dr. Hana Matsumoto, Japan-China Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Matsumoto. Recent reports indicate that Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi is preparing to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi by the end of the year. How significant is this meeting in the context of Japan-China relations?
**Dr. Matsumoto:** Thank you for having me. This meeting is indeed a significant diplomatic event. It’s the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to China since April of the previous year, which highlights the ongoing efforts to stabilize and enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. Notably, this will be the first in-person meeting between Iwaya and Wang since both assumed their positions, which adds to its importance.
**Editor:** What backdrop led to this meeting being arranged, particularly following the encounter between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Xi in Peru?
**Dr. Matsumoto:** The meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Xi was crucial as it set a positive tone for ongoing diplomatic dialogues. During their discussions, both leaders expressed a commitment to facilitating mutual visits at high levels, which likely encouraged Iwaya to initiate this meeting. It suggests a mutual desire to address any outstanding issues and build on the momentum from their earlier talks.
**Editor:** In terms of current relations, how do you view prospects for cooperation between Japan and China, especially against a backdrop where past tensions have occasionally flared?
**Dr. Matsumoto:** While there have been tensions historically—particularly regarding historical grievances and territorial disputes—the current global climate requires cooperation on various fronts, such as trade, climate change, and regional security. Both Japan and China recognise the necessity of maintaining a dialogue to mitigate conflicts and work towards common goals, which makes this meeting even more essential.
**Editor:** what should we expect to emerge from this meeting in terms of potential agreements or changes in policy?
**Dr. Matsumoto:** While we cannot predict specific outcomes, it’s reasonable to expect discussions to revolve around economic cooperation, security concerns in the region, and possibly joint engagements in addressing global issues like climate change and public health. If both sides can achieve a constructive dialogue, we might see a framework for enhanced cooperation in the future, which would be beneficial for both nations and the region as a whole.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Matsumoto, for your insights on this important diplomatic development. We look forward to seeing how this meeting unfolds.
**Dr. Matsumoto:** Thank you for having me!
