Press Releases
Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
April 5, 2021
On April 5, commencing at 6 p.m. for one hour and 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China. The overview is as follows.
- The two ministers confirmed the importance of contributing to the regional and international community as responsible major powers. The two ministers expressed their expectations for advancing exchanges and dialogues in a wide variety of fields towards the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China next year.
- Minister Motegi conveyed his serious concerns regarding intrusions into Japan’s territorial sea surrounding the Senkaku Islands by the Chinese Coast Guard, China’s Coast Guard Law, the situation in the South China Sea, the situation surrounding Hong Kong and the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and strongly requested its concrete actions. In addition, Minister Motegi strongly reiterated his call for the prompt removal of import restrictions on Japanese food products.
- The two ministers confirmed that they would continue to hold discussions relating to Japanese and Chinese economies, including building a truly fair, equitable and stable business environment. The two ministers also confirmed that they would continue to hold dialogues relating to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and agreed to deepen dialogues on climate change issues.
- The two ministers exchanged views on international situations including those surrounding North Korea. In regard to North Korea, the two ministers confirmed to work together for denuclearization, and shared the view on the importance of the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions. In addition, Minister Motegi requested understanding and support towards the early resolution of the abductions issue, and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang expressed his continued support. Furthermore, the two ministers also held an exchange of opinions on the situation in Myanmar, and Minister Motegi stated Japan’s strong request to the Myanmar military to immediately stop resorting to violence, release those who are detained, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system. The two ministers shared the view on the importance of collaboration in the international community towards the resolution of the situation.