Japan’s newly appointed overseas minister, Takeshi Iwaya, made it clear that Tokyo expects China to “behave responsibly” whereas aiming for a “constructive and secure relationship” based mostly on shared pursuits. In his first press convention on Wednesday, Iwaya emphasised Japan’s intention to cooperate with Beijing, however firmly mentioned, “What we have to assert shall be asserted.”
“We hope to mutually work in the direction of constructing a constructive and secure relationship,” Iwaya mentioned, following his nomination by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, reported scmp.com.He expressed eagerness to have interaction in “frank exchanges and dialogue” together with his Chinese language counterpart, Wang Yi, though no official date has been set for a gathering.
Tensions between the 2 neighbors have escalated lately, primarily because of China’s rising navy presence round disputed territories and Japan’s strengthening safety ties with the USA and its allies. Regardless of these challenges, Iwaya underscored the potential for cooperation. “Between Japan and China, there are numerous excellent points and challenges, however on the identical time, there may be a lot chance and potential,” he famous.
The overseas minister burdened the joint accountability Japan and China share in selling peace and prosperity within the area and globally. Nevertheless, he didn’t shrink back from asserting Japan’s expectations for China to behave responsibly, particularly relating to makes an attempt to vary the established order in East Asia. “We have to construct a system that may firmly deter such makes an attempt,” Iwaya mentioned, alluding to China’s actions within the area.
Chinese language President Xi Jinping prolonged congratulations to Prime Minister Ishiba on his election victory, signaling a cautious however open strategy from Beijing. Along with addressing Sino-Japanese relations, Iwaya additionally voiced concern over the escalating violence within the Center East, significantly Iran’s missile assaults on Israel. “We strongly condemn this sort of escalation,” he mentioned, urging all events to de-escalate the scenario.
