BEIJING: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed “serious concerns” over China’s growing military activity during his meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. On his first visit to China since becoming Japan’s top diplomat earlier this year, Iwaya emphasized Japan’s vigilance regarding the situation in Taiwan and the increasing tensions in the East China Sea, particularly around the disputed Senkaku Islands.
At the meeting, held at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Iwaya also raised the issue of Japanese nationals detained by Chinese authorities, urging their swift release. He noted that the lack of transparency surrounding China’s anti-espionage law was making Japanese citizens hesitant to visit China.
Despite these concerns, the two ministers agreed to work toward a visit by Wang to Japan next year, signaling a desire to maintain dialogue. China’s foreign ministry, however, refrained from commenting on the military and detention issues, stating only that Wang’s visit would be arranged “at an appropriate time.”
In addition to his meeting with Wang, Iwaya spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both sides pledged to strengthen a “constructive and stable” relationship. However, tensions persist over territorial disputes and military maneuvers, which have led Japan to bolster security ties with the U.S. and other regional partners.
Recent events have escalated these tensions, with a Chinese military aircraft making its first confirmed intrusion into Japanese airspace in August, followed by a Japanese warship’s passage through the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, Beijing’s test launch of an intercontinental missile in late September, without prior warning to Japan, sparked further protests.
The ongoing friction also stems from Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima disaster into the Pacific Ocean, a move that has been met with strong opposition from China. As Japan navigates these complex issues, analysts suggest Beijing may seek to exploit political shifts within Japan to adjust its regional influence.
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