November 17, 2021
The dialogue between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their first online meeting was generally welcomed by the Japanese government, with one senior Foreign Ministry official saying it was “a meaningful event to avoid unintentional conflicts.”
China has been stepping up its military pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing has positioned as a “core interest” — a term about issues on which it will not compromise. Tokyo recognizes the Biden-Xi dialogue as an important deterrent against accidental clashes or incidents that could lead to conflicts between the two rivals.
“We’d like to pay attention to how the two leaders will respond to the tension between the United States and China,” Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Japan has, together with the United States, criticized China for proceeding with its naval buildup and increasing tensions in the South and East China seas, and urged Beijing to respect international laws.
At the Japan-U.S. summit in April, the joint statement stipulated “the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” The meeting, which was held between Biden and then Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, was the first such meeting since the U.S. president took office in January.
However, there remains a gap between Tokyo and Washington on the economy and human rights issues in China.
The Japanese government has joined the United States and European countries in criticizing China’s human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, but has been cautious about imposing economic sanctions over such issues. Should the U.S- China confrontation become serious, Washington may urge Tokyo to take certain measures that could affect the economy, such as decoupling China from Japan’s supply chains. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may then be forced to make difficult decisions.
"World" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
China Accepting Thousands of North Korean Workers, Sources Say; Move Believed to Be Aimed at Improving China-North Korea Ties
-
Canada and Japan: Partners in a Dangerous Time
-
Japan to Strengthen Economic Cooperation with ASEAN: Iwaya
-
New South Korean President Lee Eager for Early Japan Visit; Says His Govt will Cooperate on North Korea Abduction Issue
-
South Korea’s Former President Questioned over Treason Accusation; Yoon Accused of Sending Drone in to North Korea to Provoke Clash
JN ACCESS RANKING
-
Japan’s Agriculture Ministry Starts Survey of Rice Farmers Across Japan on Production Outlook
-
5-Kilogram Bag of Rice Price Falls Below ¥4,000: 1st Time in 4 Months
-
Japan’s Core Inflation Hits 2-year High, Keeps Rate-Hike Bets Alive
-
Carmakers’ Anxiety Grows as U.S. Tariff Talks Stall;Japan Exporters May Have No Choice But to Raise Prices
-
Japan to Collaborate with 3 European Countries on Infrastructure Development; Will Work With Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic to Build Railroads, Energy Systems