Japan, China Defense Chiefs Meet to Discuss ‘Many Concerns’; First Meeting Between Current Chiefs
17:20 JST, June 1, 2024
SINGAPORE — Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, on Saturday to discuss issues, such as the Senkaku Islands, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.
This was the first bilateral meeting between Kihara and Dong, who took his current position in December last year. The previous such meeting between Japanese and Chinese defense ministers took place in June last year also on the sidelines of the same security gathering.
At the beginning of the meeting, Kihara said, “There are many security concerns between Japan and China, such as the situation in the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, and the Chinese military’s increased activity in the sea and airspace around Japan.”
“It is important to have candid discussions between the Japanese and Chinese defense authorities precisely because there are many security concerns between the two countries,” he added.
Dong said, “We want to seek ways to build the China-Japan relationship in a constructive and stable manner.”
China conducted a large-scale military exercise surrounding Taiwan on May 23-24. Kihara stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
In Taiwan, the administration of President Lai Ching-te was launched last month. As it has taken a Japan-oriented stance, Beijing has been wary of Taipei strengthening ties with Tokyo.
A hotline between the defense authorities of Japan and China has been in operation since May last year in order to avoid accidental clashes. Kihara and Dong reaffirmed that the hotline will be operated appropriately and shared the importance of continuing dialogue between the two countries.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan Scrambles Fighter Aircraft After Russia Violates Airspace
-
LDP Presidential Vote Could Go to Runoff, Surveys Suggest; Overall Tally Tips Toward Takaichi, Ishiba
-
Japanese Government Tells Australia of Willingness to Cooperate in Building Warships; New Model Based on Mogami-Class Frigate
-
Sanae Takaichi, Shigeru Ishiba, Shinjiro Koizumi Fight to Reach Runoff in LDP Presidential Race; Ballots Set to Start Arriving
-
Japan Coast Guard Study Program to Accept Palau Official, for 1st Participant from Pacific Islands
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Philippines Steps Up Defense of Northernmost Province with Eye on Possible Contingency Involving Taiwan
- Japan External Trade Organization to Open Office in Kyiv, Aims to Help Japan-Linked Companies Boost Reconstruction
- Tokyo Companies Prepare for Ashfall From Mt. Fuji Eruption; Disposal Of Ash, Possibly at Sea, A Major Challenge
- Harris Widens Lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
- Typhoon Bebinca Could Approach Southern Japan In Days; Heavy Storms Expected from Saturday (Update 1)