Japan, China Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Relations

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya's visit to Beijing marked a significant effort to improve strained bilateral relations with China. Iwaya and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed various issues, including Japan's concerns over China's military activities and the recent discovery of a buoy in Japan's exclusive economic zone. Both ministers acknowledged a mutual desire to enhance exchanges and confirmed Wang's planned visit to Japan for high-level talks next year, which will focus on economic relations and resuming seafood imports suspended after the Fukushima water release. Additionally, Japan announced relaxed visa requirements for Chinese tourists in an effort to foster better people-to-people relations. Despite these positive steps, a recent survey revealed a significant decline in favorable opinions among the Chinese public towards Japan, indicating underlying tensions remain. The discussions also touched on the critical situation in the Taiwan Strait, with Iwaya reiterating Japan's commitment to regional stability.