Japan’s newly appointed foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, made it clear that Tokyo expects China to “behave responsibly” while aiming for a “constructive and stable relationship” based on shared interests. In his first press conference on Wednesday, Iwaya emphasized Japan’s intention to cooperate with Beijing, but firmly said, “What we need to assert will be asserted.”
“We hope to mutually work towards building a constructive and stable relationship,” Iwaya said, following his nomination by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, reported scmp.com.He expressed eagerness to engage in “frank exchanges and dialogue” with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, although no official date has been set for a meeting.
Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated in recent years, primarily due to China’s growing military presence around disputed territories and Japan’s strengthening security ties with the United States and its allies. Despite these challenges, Iwaya underscored the potential for cooperation. “Between Japan and China, there are many outstanding issues and challenges, but at the same time, there is much possibility and potential,” he noted.
The foreign minister stressed the joint responsibility Japan and China share in promoting peace and prosperity in the region and globally. However, he did not shy away from asserting Japan’s expectations for China to act responsibly, especially regarding attempts to change the status quo in East Asia. “We need to build a system that can firmly deter such attempts,” Iwaya said, alluding to China’s activities in the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Prime Minister Ishiba on his election victory, signaling a cautious but open approach from Beijing. In addition to addressing Sino-Japanese relations, Iwaya also voiced concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s missile attacks on Israel. “We strongly condemn this kind of escalation,” he said, urging all parties to de-escalate the situation.
