Press Releases
Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
March 22, 2025
On March 22 commencing at 2:10 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (simultaneous interpretation) with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, who was visiting Japan to attend the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The overview is as follows.
- The two foreign ministers confirmed that as the international situation changes significantly, it is important that the foreign ministers of Japan and China meet face-to-face and discuss the resolution of issues and concerns candidly. The two foreign ministers also discussed how to proceed with Japan-China relations this year and shared the view to ensure the progress of reducing issues and concerns and increasing cooperation and coordination under a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” as confirmed by the leaders of both Japan and China. In particular, Minister Iwaya pointed out the importance of resolving issues of concerns through repeated high-level exchanges, and emphasized the need for the authorities concerned on both sides to make thorough preparations so that the development of Japan-China relations will meet the expectations of the people.
- The two foreign ministers agreed to deepen discussions on economic issues that will benefit the people of both countries at the Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue, the first in six years, which will be held following the foreign ministers' meeting. Minister Iwaya called for the early lifting of import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products. In addition, the two foreign ministers confirmed that they would promote mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in a wide range of fields, including the green economy and measures to deal with the declining birthrate and aging population.
- Minister Iwaya expressed Japan's serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, including the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, and the intensification of Chinese military activities, and urged the Chinese side to address these issues. Minister Iwaya also called for the immediate removal of the buoy installed in Japan’s EEZ to the south of Yonaguni Island. The two ministers concurred on holding the Japan-China Security Dialogue, which is currently being coordinated, at the earliest possible date in order to deepen communication in the field of security
- With regards to Taiwan, Minister Iwaya stated that Japan is closely monitoring relevant developments, including the military activities, and reiterated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is extremely important for the international community, including Japan. Minister Iwaya also encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. In addition, Minister Iwaya once again expressed Japan’s serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and others.
- Minister Iwaya, pointed out that the cases of Japanese nationals being detained and the lack of transparency regarding the “anti-espionage law” are factors that cause Japanese people to be hesitant about traveling to China and create a chilling effect on Japanese business in China, called for the early release of Japanese nationals who are being detained. In addition, Minister Iwaya requested to continue to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of Japanese citizens,
- The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue. In addition, the two foreign ministers agreed to vitalize dialogue between authorities on the regional situation and global issues.