BEIJING: China’s top diplomat has told his Japanese counterpart that Beijing sees positive signals from Tokyo’s new leadership.
Wang Yi made the comment during a Tuesday phone call with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
Japan swore in conservative Sanae Takaichi as its first woman prime minister last week.
Takaichi has previously stated that Tokyo must address the security threat posed by Beijing.
She has since moderated her rhetoric and recently called China an important neighbour.
Wang emphasised that high-level exchanges hold great significance for developing Sino-Japan relations.
The diplomatic conversation occurred during Donald Trump’s visit to Japan.
Takaichi praised the US president extensively and promised a golden age of bilateral ties.
She also signed a deal focused on securing critical minerals supplies.
Japan hosts approximately 60,000 US military personnel as a close Washington ally.
Tokyo participates in the Quad group alongside Australia and India.
The Quad is widely perceived as a counterbalance to Beijing’s influence.
Wang reiterated that history and the Taiwan issue form the foundation of China-Japan relations.
Motegi expressed strong concerns regarding China’s export controls on rare earths.
The United States and Japan signed a critical minerals agreement on Tuesday.
This followed Beijing’s announcement of sweeping restrictions on the industry earlier this month.
Motegi also raised issues about China’s activities around disputed East China Sea islands.
He called for the removal of remaining agricultural trade restrictions.
China and Japan maintain significant trading partnerships despite historical tensions.
Territorial disputes and military spending often strain bilateral relations.
China expressed hope that Japan’s new cabinet would take a good first step in engagement. – AFP
