TOKYO – Diplomatic tensions flared today as Japan accused China of misrepresenting its stance following high-level weekend discussions also involving South Korea. The trilateral talks in Tokyo were intended to ease historically tense relations amid concerns over US trade tariffs, North Korea’s missile activities, and the Ukraine war.
Japan took issue with a Chinese statement claiming that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed respect for China’s positions during the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chief government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that Japan had formally protested.
“We have protested to the Chinese side and requested the immediate removal of the inaccurate statement,” Hayashi said during a regular press briefing. “As this was a diplomatic exchange, I will not disclose further details, including China’s response. However, it is regrettable that a statement inconsistent with the facts was released.”
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun questioned Japan’s reaction. “Is it not normal for countries to respect each other’s positions in their interactions?” Guo asked. “As far as I know, this important and beneficial meeting between China and Japan embodied this spirit.”
The weekend talks followed a rare summit in May in Seoul and preceded a potential state visit to Japan by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasized the significance of the discussions.
“We had a frank exchange of views on trilateral cooperation and regional international affairs and confirmed our commitment to promoting future-oriented cooperation,” Iwaya stated. “The international situation has grown increasingly severe, marking a pivotal moment in history.”
Patricia M. Kim, a foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, highlighted the importance of the talks. “Trilateral dialogues have been ongoing for over a decade, but this round carries heightened significance due to the evolving US stance,” Kim noted. She added that Beijing has been actively working to improve ties with other major and middle powers amid rising tensions with the United States.