China-Japan ties at ‘critical juncture’, top diplomat Wang Yi says

He tells former Japanese foreign minister Yohei Kono the two nations need to eliminate ‘external interference’ and see each other as partners

Wang also urges Kono to oppose decoupling and make contributions to improve relations, and notes Tokyo’s ‘negative moves’ on Taiwan

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China’s top diplomat Wang Yi (right) meets Yohei Kono, head of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 4:04pm, 6 Jul 2023

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi on Thursday said the relationship with Japan was at a “critical juncture”, calling on Tokyo to work with Beijing to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Wang made the remarks in a meeting in Beijing with former Japanese foreign minister Yohei Kono, who was heading a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang said that in building ties, both countries needed to eliminate “external interference”, and see each other as partners and not as a threat.

He urged Kono to oppose decoupling efforts and to make contributions to improve and develop ties, noting that Japan had made “negative moves” on the Taiwan issue.

Relations between the two Asian neighbours have been tense in recent years, as the United States has sought deeper ties with its allies in the region in a bid to counter Beijing’s growing influence, including with Japan and South Korea.

Japan has long voiced concerns over the intrusion of Chinese coastguard vessels into its waters and has been wary of increased People’s Liberation Army activity around Taiwan.

Earlier this week, Wang took a veiled swipe at the US for fanning anti-Chinese sentiment in Japan and South Korea, saying a “certain major power outside the region” had been trying to sow discord.

The Chinese diplomat, who was speaking at a trilateral forum in Qingdao, urged the two countries not to blindly follow Washington’s lead.

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