BEIJING: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his new Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya during a phone call on Wednesday that he hopes to make progress in bilateral relations, while also warning of external “interference”.
Tensions have been building between Beijing and Tokyo in recent years as China expands its military presence in the region and Japan boosts security ties with the United States and its allies.
Wang told Iwaya that he is looking forward to “a new atmosphere… and to new progress in China-Japan relations,” according to a report by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
During the conversation, Wang emphasized the importance of Japan adhering to its “political commitments on the Taiwan issue” and maintaining the one-China principle. He also underscored the need for both countries to work together to preserve regional stability amid a “turbulent international situation.”
Wang warned about external “forces inciting trouble” and called for cooperation to prevent such interference from provoking regional conflict. “Both sides should learn from history, stay true to their original aspirations, and expand cooperation,” he said.
Takeshi Iwaya, who took office as Japan’s foreign minister on October 1, has said that Tokyo seeks a “constructive and stable relationship” with Beijing. Despite this, relations between the two countries have faced significant challenges in recent months.
