Wang Yi meets former Japanese FM Iwaya in Beijing

Former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, acting as chairman of the Japan International Trade Promotion Association, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on September 28. The meeting marks the first high-level dialogue between Chinese officials and a Japanese figure since Prime Minister Takaichi’s comments regarding a potential Taiwan contingency last November.

During the discussions, Wang Yi stated that Japan-China relations are facing a difficult period and emphasized the need for normalization. He called for the Takaichi administration to “correct erroneous words and actions” regarding the Taiwan issue and to maintain a “correct attitude” toward historical matters. Wang also noted that true progress can only be made by respecting history.

Iwaya expressed concern over the current state of bilateral relations and stated his desire to see the relationship “return to its origins.” The delegation, which includes approximately 50 executives from Japanese companies, is visiting China through September 30 with the primary goal of facilitating and developing economic exchanges through dialogue.