Ishiba Raises South China Sea Concerns with Xi

During their first in-person talks at the APEC summit in Lima, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba conveyed 'serious concerns' to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding rising tensions in the South China Sea and China's military activities near Taiwan. Ishiba emphasized the significance of Japan-China relations for global stability, particularly pointing out the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and ongoing maritime disputes over the Senkaku Islands. Despite the tension, both leaders expressed a desire to enhance cultural exchanges and maintain high-level economic dialogue. Xi acknowledged the need for a constructive approach to manage differences and highlighted the interconnectedness of their economies. Ishiba also reiterated Japan's demand for the lifting of import restrictions on Japanese seafood, showing the complexities of their bilateral relations. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to navigate the challenges posed by China's assertive regional stance.