On November 25, 2023, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in South Korea. They expressed their hope to hold security talks in the ‘near future.’[1] Yoko Kamikawa said in a statement: ‘We confirmed that we are on the way to closer communication on several issues and hope to hold security talks in the near future.’ Wang Yi, for his part, stated that both sides ‘pose no threat’ to each other and emphasized the need to ‘respect each other’s legitimate concerns.’ [2]
Yoko Kamikawa said that she hoped China would lift its ban on all Japanese seafood exports. Japan’s Foreign Minister added that the two countries will hold high-level economic talks, but the date has not yet been set. [3] In response, China expressed its opposition to ‘Japan’s irresponsible practices’ and emphasized the need to ‘establish a long-term monitoring mechanism for all stakeholders.’
On November 17, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met at an international conference in the United States of America (USA). This meeting took place amidst a series of diplomatic disputes affecting bilateral relations, highlighting issues such as the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant issue and the detention of a Japanese citizen in China. Nevertheless, both sides declared that they attach importance to economic interests. [4]
Emphasizing that she raised some disagreements and that the two countries will communicate closely, Yoko Kamikawa said, ‘We also discussed issues that require bilateral cooperation. We also had meaningful exchanges on climate change, international insurance, development finance, and the North Korea issue.’ [5]
The meeting between Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi shows that diplomatic relations tend to strengthen, and communication deepens. The meeting seems to have focused on regional security issues. The parties’ willingness to hold ‘security talks’ could emphasize potential threats in the region and the protection of common interests. This shows the parties’ efforts to build a shared security vision.
Japan’s request to China to lift the seafood ban shows that economic cooperation and trade are on the agenda. Releasing wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the sea raises environmental concerns. China’s proposal for a ‘long-term monitoring mechanism’ can be seen as an effort to monitor environmental impacts. The outcome of the talks could shape the two countries’ future relations.
As a result, deepening diplomatic relations, assessing commitments on regional security and economic cooperation, and exploring joint solutions to environmental issues are noteworthy.
[1] “Japan, China Foreign Ministers Agree Plan to Hold Security Talks, Improve Ties”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-china-seeking-security-talks-near-future-says-japan-foreign-minister-2023-11-25/, (Erişim Tarihi: 27.11.2023).
[2] Aynı yer.
[3] Aynı yer.
[4] Aynı yer.
[5] Aynı yer.
