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Japan-China Summit: Takaichi and Xi Hold First Talks Amid Rising Tensions

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in South Korea. The talks occur during the APEC summit amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. China has taken a cautious approach toward Takaichi, who is known for her conservative stance. The meeting will address territorial disputes and efforts to maintain stable bilateral relations.

Key Points: Japan PM Takaichi China President Xi First Meeting South Korea

  • First meeting between leaders since Takaichi became Japan's prime minister last week
  • Focus on strategic relationship amid Senkaku Islands territorial disputes
  • Xi withheld congratulatory message to Takaichi unlike previous Japanese PMs
  • Takaichi expected to raise concerns over Chinese maritime activity near Taiwan
2 min read

Japan PM Takaichi, China's Xi to hold first-ever talks in South Korea

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold their first bilateral talks at APEC summit amid territorial disputes and diplomatic tensions.

"issues relating to history and Taiwan concern the foundation of bilateral relations and basic trust and faith - Wang Yi"

Gyeongju, October 31

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first meeting on Friday afternoon in South Korea, the Japanese government announced, Kyodo News reported.

The meeting between the two leaders, taking place on the sidelines of the two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, marks their first encounter since Takaichi assumed office as Japan's prime minister last week.

According to Kyodo News, the talks are expected to focus on reaffirming both nations' commitment to promoting a "strategic and mutually beneficial relationship" while pursuing "constructive and stable" ties amid strained relations.

The bilateral meeting comes as Beijing adopts a cautious approach toward Takaichi, who is widely regarded as a China hawk.

Longstanding disputes over historical and territorial issues, particularly the repeated intrusions by Chinese coast guard vessels into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands, which China claims and refers to as Diaoyu, have continued to strain ties between Tokyo and Beijing.

During a recent phone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, China's top diplomat Wang Yi warned that issues relating to history and Taiwan concern "the foundation of bilateral relations and basic trust and faith" between the two nations, Kyodo News reported.

Signalling Beijing's reservations, Xi has not sent a congratulatory message to Takaichi following her appointment, despite extending such gestures to her three predecessors, including former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, according to a diplomatic source cited by Kyodo News.

Takaichi, known for her conservative stance and alignment with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies, is expected to raise Japan's concerns over China's growing maritime activity near the Senkaku Islands and highlight the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

She may also press for the early release of Japanese nationals detained in China on espionage allegations, sources added.

Chinese media have labelled Takaichi a right-wing nationalist, noting her close ideological ties to Abe, who was assassinated in 2022.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
China's pattern of not sending congratulatory messages to leaders they don't like is concerning. We've seen similar behavior in our region too. Hope Japan maintains its sovereignty and doesn't bow to pressure.
A
Arjun K
The Taiwan Strait issue is crucial for regional stability. Every country in Asia should support the status quo. China's increasing military activities near disputed islands remind us of our own border challenges.
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Sarah B
While I understand Japan's concerns about Chinese vessels, I hope both sides approach this diplomatically. Constant escalation doesn't help anyone. Dialogue is always better than confrontation. 🤝
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Vikram M
China's detention of foreign nationals on espionage charges is becoming a worrying trend. Hope PM Takaichi secures the release of Japanese citizens. This affects all countries dealing with China.
M
Michael C
As someone who has lived in both Japan and India, I see parallels in how China treats its neighbors. Strong leadership is needed to counter Beijing's expansionist policies. Good luck to PM Takaichi!

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