Japannewly appointed foreign minister, Iwaya TsuyoshiStressing the importance of establishing a “constructive and stable relationship” with China while maintaining Japan’s positions on key issues. In his first press conference on Wednesday, Iwaya made clear that Tokyo seeks to balance cooperation with Beijing while taking a firm stand on issues of national interest.
“We hope to work together to build a constructive and stable relationship,” Iwaya said after being nominated for prime minister. Shigeru IshibaAccording to the South China Morning Post, he expressed his desire to have “candid exchanges and dialogue” with his Chinese counterparts. Wang Yialthough an official date for the meeting has not yet been set.
Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated in recent years, largely due to China’s development military presence around the disputed territory and Japan’s strengthening of security ties with the United States and its allies. Despite these challenges, Iwaya emphasized the potential for collaboration. “There are many unresolved issues and challenges between Japan and China, but there are also great possibilities and potential,” he noted.
The foreign minister stressed that Japan and China share a common responsibility in promoting regional and global peace and prosperity. However, he did not shy away from expressing Japan’s expectations for China to act responsibly, especially in trying to change the status quo in East Asia. “We need to establish a system that can resolutely prevent such attempts,” Iwaya said of China’s activities in the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Prime Minister Ishiba on his election victory, demonstrating Beijing’s cautious but open approach. In addition to addressing Sino-Japanese relationsIwaya also expressed concern about the escalation of violence in the Middle East, especially Iran’s missile attacks on Israel. “We strongly condemn this escalation,” he said, urging all parties to de-escalate the situation.
