On Tuesday Japan and China agreed to resume coronavirus-hit business travel this month and to keep on talking on disputed isles in the East China Sea, in the first high-level dialogue since Japan picked a new leader in September.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s two day visit to Tokyo comes in the midst of growing concerns over Beijing’s assertiveness in the region. Talks with Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi covered maritime tensions, trade and the pandemic response.
Wang to make a courtesy call on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who has so far sought to balance Japan’s deep economic reliance on China with security concerns, including Beijing’s claims over the disputed isles that are controlled by Japan.
While Suga has steered clear of the harsh anti-China rhetoric used by Japan’s ally the United States, he has moved to counter its influence by deepening ties with Australia and choosing Vietnam and Indonesia for his first overseas trip.
“It’s important to interact with people and talk directly with each other,” Motegi briefed media after the talks.
He was referring to schemes streamlining travel for business travellers and those residing in each country, which has been restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I hope this agreement will contribute to the revitalization of the economies of Japan and China, and promote mutual understanding,” Motegi said.
EAST CHINA SEA
While the maritime dispute over the East China Sea isles called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China remains unresolved, the sides have made tentative moves closer through trade agreements.
Japan’s government has complained of China’s “relentless” intrusions in waters around the islets claimed by both nations.
Motegi called on China to take a “forward-looking stance”, and said he would continue to communicate with China.
Wang stood by Beijing’s stance.
“Through the joint effort by both sides, we would like to make the East China Sea the sea of peace, friendship and cooperation’’ he said.
Wang’s visit to Japan reaffirmed their economic partnership, but it still lacked progress on the territorial dispute said Toshiya Takahashi, an associate professor of international relations at Shoin University.
“Out of the bilateral talks, what can be called ‘progress’ is only the easing of business travel curbs between Japan and China,” Takahashi said.
