Press Releases
Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Video Conference
May 18, 2022
On May 18, commencing at 10:00 a.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a video conference with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, for approximately 70 minutes. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that the two sides must strive to realize their important shared vision for a constructive and stable relationship which was agreed upon at the Japan-China summit telephone talk in October 2021to which State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang echoed.
- Minister Hayashi, noting the difficulties Japan-China relations is facing and the extremely severe public opinion in Japan towards China, stated that both sides need to say what needs to be said while continuing dialogues and cooperate in appropriate ways in areas needing cooperation, and fulfil our responsibilities to the international society. Minister Hayashi also expressed serious concern over the situations in the East China Sea, including the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, as well as the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and stated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In addition, Minister Hayashi reiterated the position of the Government of Japan regarding the temporary detention of a Japanese diplomat and the detention of Japanese nationals in China. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi strongly called for the prompt removal of import restrictions on Japanese food products.
- Both ministers confirmed to promote dialogue and cooperation related to Japan-China economic relations in a variety of areas and at a variety of levels in an appropriate manner and stressed the importance of pushing forward the people-to-people and economic exchanges between the two countries through efforts of both sides. Amid the various impacts of COVID-19, Minister Hayashi requested that China take appropriate measures including those to ensure the safety of Japanese residents and to protect the legitimate economic activities of Japanese companies.
- Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Minister Hayashi called on China to play a responsible role to maintain international peace and security, noting that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes a clear violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter. Regarding North Korea, the two ministers exchanged views on the recent situation. Minister Hayashi stated that the international community must make concerted efforts to realize denuclearization and the two ministers confirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely including understanding and support towards the early resolution of the abductions issue.