Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had a significant meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. The leaders took this opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and emphasized the need to pursue mutually beneficial ties.
During the meeting, several pressing issues were addressed, including China’s ban on Japanese seafood and the case of a detained Japanese businessman. Kishida strongly urged Xi to lift the ban on Japanese seafood and requested the prompt release of the detained businessman. In response, Xi emphasized that Japan should take concerns about the Fukushima water release seriously and act responsibly.
Both leaders expressed the importance of focusing on common interests and reaffirmed their strategic relationship of mutual benefit. It is worth noting that the joint statement from 2008, which emphasized a mutually beneficial relationship, has been utilized less frequently in recent years due to conflicts over territorial disputes, trade tensions, and the Taiwan issue.
In addition to their bilateral discussions, the leaders pledged to hold high-level dialogues on economic matters and welcomed the launch of a new framework to address export controls. China holds a significant position as Japan’s top trading partner, alongside the United States.
This meeting between Kishida and Xi took place following a summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi, where agreements on communication and cooperation were reached. It is speculated that China’s desire to reaffirm relations with Japan may be influenced by Japan’s close ties with the United States.
In a further effort to strengthen regional cooperation, Kishida also met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. They discussed the possibility of deeper cooperation and shared concerns about North Korea’s recent missile tests.
The APEC summit, which commenced on November 15, will continue till November 17. Leaders from 21 member countries are in attendance, seeking to foster economic cooperation and address regional challenges.
Overall, the meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Kishida provides hope for improved relations between China and Japan. As they focus on common interests and engage in open dialogues, both countries strive to build a stronger and more mutually beneficial relationship.
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