ANKARA—In a significant diplomatic encounter, longtime rivals China and Japan have committed to enhancing relations characterized by mutual benefits and stability, particularly as Tokyo raises alarms over Beijing’s increasingly assertive military activities in the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held his inaugural meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, on Friday. This meeting comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions and a series of critical issues that have created friction between the two nations.
As reported by Tokyo-based Kyodo News on Saturday, Ishiba conveyed Japan’s profound concerns regarding China’s aggressive military posturing, asserting the necessity for dialogue amid their differing perspectives. He emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions, stating, “There are many differences of opinion between Japan and China. But despite these differences, I agreed with President Xi to continue to have more meetings.”
Ishiba also urged Xi to prioritize the safety of Japanese citizens, to which the Chinese president responded affirmatively, promising to ensure the well-being of “all foreigners” within China’s borders.
Meanwhile, a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry highlighted Xi’s insistence on Japan confronting its historical issues and addressing sensitive topics, such as the contentious status of Taiwan, which Beijing considers an integral part of its territory.
In his remarks, Xi expressed China’s readiness to engage with Japan in cultivating a “constructive and stable” relationship that aligns with the demands of the new era, as reported by Beijing-based Xinhua News. He indicated a willingness to enhance communication and coordination with Ishiba, aiming for steady advancement in bilateral relations.
Xi reiterated that China and Japan ought to view each other as cooperative partners rather than adversaries, stressing the importance of collaboration in the face of shared regional challenges. Additionally, the two leaders touched upon the anticipated resumption of seafood imports from Japan, which had been banned by China last year following the controversial release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.
Prior to the ban, China was the foremost importer of Japanese seafood, highlighting the economic significance of this dialogue. As recent developments suggest, China had indicated plans to “gradually” lift its restrictions on Japanese seafood imports, potentially marking a thaw in trade relations.
What were the major outcomes of the Xi Jinping and Shigeru Ishiba meeting during the APEC summit?
**Interview with Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, East Asian Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tanaka. Let’s dive into the recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the APEC summit. What are the key takeaways from their first encounter?
**Dr. Tanaka:** Thank you for having me. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Sino-Japanese relations, especially given the historical tensions between the two nations. Both leaders have recognized the necessity of mutual benefits and stability in the region, which is critical at this juncture. Prime Minister Ishiba’s direct approach, expressing Japan’s concerns about China’s military activities, indicates a willingness to engage in open dialogue.
**Editor:** How significant is Ishiba’s emphasis on dialogue in the context of the current tensions?
**Dr. Tanaka:** Dialogue is crucial. It represents a move away from hostility and toward understanding. Ishiba’s assertion that “there are many differences” emphasizes Japan’s recognition that while concerns exist, constructive discussions are the way forward. This could lay the groundwork for future agreements that address security concerns and promote cooperation between the two nations.
**Editor:** Many analysts discuss the implications of China’s military assertiveness in the region. How do you think Japan perceives this threat, and what could be the ramifications of their discussions?
**Dr. Tanaka:** Japan’s concerns are very much grounded in the reality of regional power dynamics. The increase in China’s military activities could threaten Japan’s national security, and as such, they feel compelled to respond. If both leaders can navigate their discussions effectively, it may lead to a framework that balances military assertiveness with regional stability, which could also reassure neighboring countries affected by these tensions.
**Editor:** In your opinion, what should be the next steps for both nations following this meeting?
**Dr. Tanaka:** The next steps should involve establishing regular communication channels to address security issues proactively. Furthermore, joint initiatives in multicultural exchanges and economic cooperation can build trust. If both countries can turn discussions into tangible actions, it will not only improve bilateral ties but could also enhance the overall stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for your insights into this important diplomatic meeting. It’ll be interesting to see how this relationship evolves in the coming months.
**Dr. Tanaka:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this dynamic unfolds.