Beijing, China – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Japan’s new Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Wednesday, signaling a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.
During the call, Wang Yi expressed China’s hope that Japan will work collaboratively to ensure the sustained, sound, and steady development of China-Japan relations along the right track. He appreciated the positive signals released by the new Japanese Cabinet and Foreign Minister Iwaya since he assumed office, emphasizing that both countries are willing to stabilize and advance their relations.
“China and Japan are close neighbors,” Wang Yi stated. “Mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of our two peoples.”
He urged both sides to learn from history, not forget their original intentions, expand cooperation, eliminate interference, and comprehensively promote the China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. Wang Yi emphasized the importance of building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship that meets the demands of the new era.
Highlighting that China’s policy toward Japan has maintained stability and continuity, Wang Yi voiced hope that Japan will abide by its political commitment on the Taiwan question, adhere to the one-China principle, and establish an objective, rational, positive, and friendly perception of China. He called for translating the important consensus that the two sides are cooperative partners and do not pose a threat to each other into practical actions.
Addressing regional dynamics, Wang Yi pointed out that the overall peace and stability in the region is hard-won and should be treasured. He emphasized that both sides should prevent external forces from stirring up confrontation in the region.
In response, Foreign Minister Iwaya expressed that the new Japanese Cabinet is willing to vigorously promote the Japan-China comprehensive strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. He affirmed Japan’s commitment to building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship.
“Japan and China have great potential for cooperation in various fields,” Iwaya noted. “Japan is willing to strengthen communication with China at all levels, resolve outstanding issues through consultation, and bring more benefits to the people of both countries.”
Iwaya highlighted that Japan and China bear important responsibilities for peace and stability in Asia and the world. He stated that the new Japanese Cabinet is ready to work with China to make greater contributions to promoting regional peace and stability and addressing global challenges.
Reference(s):
Chinese FM Wang Yi holds phone call with Japanese counterpart
cgtn.com
