BEIJING: According to Tokyo, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed “serious concerns” about China’s military expansion at his meeting with colleague Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, December 25.
According to his foreign ministry, Iwaya informed Wang that Tokyo was “closely monitoring the Taiwan situation and recent military developments” during his first trip to China since taking over as Japan’s top diplomat earlier this year.
He also “expressed serious concerns over the East China Sea situation, including around the Senkaku Islands (and) China’s increasing military activity” during his meeting with Wang at Beijing’s lavish Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, according to Tokyo.
Iwaya also demanded the “swift release” of Japanese citizens who were being held captive by Chinese officials. The anti-espionage law’s ambiguity is making Japanese citizens reconsider traveling to China,” he said. However, the two ministers also decided to try to get Wang to visit Japan “as soon as possible next year.”
In a statement, China’s foreign ministry stated that the meeting will happen “at an appropriate time” and did not mention Beijing’s military maneuvers or Japanese individuals who were held.
According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, Iwaya had previously met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and committed to pursuing a “constructive and stable” relationship.
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