Japan ex-FM Iwaya meets China Vice Premier He
Former Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi has met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Beijing, amid soured bilateral relations.
Ties between Japan and China deteriorated following a remark by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae last year in the Diet about a "Taiwan contingency."
Iwaya, who heads the Association for the Promotion of International Trade, Japan, met He, who oversees economic policies, on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People.
At the start of the meeting, the vice premier said some Japanese politicians are trying to revive militarism and are attempting to cross China's line on the Taiwan issue.
He said that this has been impacting the development of bilateral economic and trade relations, either directly or indirectly.
The vice premier added that bilateral economic and trade relations could move forward again by overcoming difficulties and contradictions arising from erroneous remarks.
Iwaya pledged maximum efforts to improve relations between Japan and China, which he said are now in a severe situation.
China apparently wants to keep the Takaichi administration in check by putting pressure on Iwaya.
Iwaya told reporters after the meeting that he asked the Chinese side to ensure the safety of Japanese residents in China and speed up procedures for approving exports of rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
He said that he also asked for the promotion of economic exchanges between provincial regions of both countries.
Iwaya said that although relations between Japan and China remain harsh, he felt the Chinese side is positive about economic and private-sector exchanges.
He added that repeated dialogue is crucial, particularly during diplomatic difficulties.
Iwaya said the two countries appear to be moving a step closer toward improving the situation, and that he will do his best to keep their governments talking.
Senior Chinese officials have met Iwaya for two days in a row. On Monday, he spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
