Press Releases
Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
November 18, 2021
On November 18, commencing at 5:35 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi extended his greetings upon being appointed foreign minister, and State Councilor Wang congratulated Minister Hayashi on his appointment.
- Touching upon the fact that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations, Minister Hayashi expressed his intention to work together with State Councilor Wang to realize the shared vision agreed upon during the Japan-China Summit Telephone Talk held on October 8, including establishing a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship, to which State Councilor Wang expressed his consent.
- Minister Hayashi expressed serious concerns regarding the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, as well as situations such as those in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and stated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In addition, Minister Hayashi strongly called for the prompt removal of import restrictions on Japanese food products. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi stated his intention to hold dialogues and consultations, including on the aforementioned issues.
- Both ministers affirmed that they will promote dialogue and practical cooperation, in an appropriate manner, in relation to Japan-China economic relations, and agreed to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations to push forward the economic and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
- The two ministers exchanged views on international affairs, including the issue of climate change and North Korea. Regarding responding to North Korea, Minister Hayashi requested understanding and support towards the early resolution of the abductions issue and the two ministers confirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely.