TOKYO, Oct. 31 -- Prime Minister and His Cabinet issued the following information:
(On the Japan-China summit, whether various concerns over such issues as the Senkaku Islands, attempts to change the status quo by force, economic coercion such as restrictions on rare earth exports, and the detention of Japanese nationals were specifically conveyed, and President Xi's responses. Also on whether a constructive and stable relationship as noted in the Prime Minister's policy speech and the opening remarks of the summit meeting would be possible with President Xi.)
Today, I held my first summit meeting with President Xi Jinping. I believe we had a very substantive and meaningful discussion.
To begin with, we confirmed our shared understanding that Japan and China will work to build a 'Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests' and a constructive and stable relationship going forward. I also urged that China should fulfil its responsibility to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region and the wider international community.
I stated clearly that there are indeed pending issues and differences in views between our two countries. Precisely because of that, it is important that we engage in direct and candid dialogue. And I did speak quite frankly. For example, I raised issues related to the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, export controls such as those concerning rare earths, concerns over the detention of Japanese nationals, and the need to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens residing in China.
I also expressed serious concern about China's actions in the South China Sea, as well as the situations in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. In addition, we exchanged views on North Korea, including the abductions issue.
I called for progress on matters such as the resumption of imports of Japanese seafood and beef, and a positive approach toward lifting import restrictions on products from ten prefectures.
President Xi and I agreed on the importance of effective crisis management and communication between our defense authorities. Overall, I spoke openly about the concerns I have, while also identifying areas where our two countries can cooperate. I hope this meeting will serve as a starting point for Japan and China to face various challenges together, and to work closely on areas where cooperation is possible.
We also confirmed that Japan and China will strengthen communication across various fields, including through dialogue mechanisms such as the Japan-China Export Control Dialogue. President Xi and I reaffirmed the importance of maintaining multilayered channels of communication between our two countries.
Because there are issues pending between us, we must continue to talk frankly. At the same time, we should advance cooperation in areas that benefit both sides. That is the approach I intend to continue in my dialogue with President Xi.
As for President Xi's response, I will refrain from going into the details of the discussion apart from what I have just shared with you; these were the points I conveyed from the Japanese side.
On what kind of situation under which the photo posted on X earlier with President Xi was taken)
There were 21 economies participating; among them were some leaders whom I had recently met with at ASEAN, so with them I exchanged a few words like my appreciation for the conversations the other day. For the leaders I hadn't yet had a chance to meet since becoming Prime Minister, I made sure to speak to every one of them. Since I am the new one among them, I went around, found each leader, and offered a brief greeting. It was in that context that I also exchanged greetings with President Xi. Unfortunately, the representative from Chile, I believe, wasn't in the waiting room, so I wasn't able to greet the Chilean President. But I was able to speak with the leaders of all the other participating economies.
(On whether concerns were expressed regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, or about any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in cross-strait relations.)
As the Chinese side mentioned the topic of Taiwan, I stated that stability and security in the region are indeed very important, and that maintaining good cross-strait relations is crucial. I made that point from our side.
On whether human rights issues in regions such as Southern Mongolia or Inner Mongolia, an issue the Prime Minister has shown particular concern for, was discussed.
As I mentioned earlier regarding human rights issues, I have made our position clear, including on matters concerning the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Hong Kong, and other such cases.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
