China FM to visit Japan to discuss virus, regional concerns
Japan's foreign minister says his Chinese counterpart will visit Tokyo next week as the two Asian powers discuss ways to resume bilateral visits to revive their pandemic-hit economies and other regional issues
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Japan s foreign minister announced Friday that his Chinese counterpart will visit Tokyo next week as the two Asian powers discuss ways to resume bilateral visits to revive their pandemic-hit economies.
“There are various issues of concern between Japan and China, and it is important that we resolve them one by one through high-level meetings like this,” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said. “I hope to frankly exchange our views on regional issues, the global expansion of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as other international issues.”
During the Nov. 24-25 visit, Motegi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are expected to discuss resuming business trips between the world’s No. 2 and No. 3 economies through the “business track” program that allows visitors to engage in limited business activity during their 14-day quarantine period.
Motegi noted that Chinese visitors topped the number of tourists in Japan before the pandemic and that he hoped to discuss how they can resume travel while taking disease prevention measures.
The visit will come amid growing concerns stemming from China’s increasing influence in the region.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison held talks this week with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in which they agreed to step up their military partnership and cooperation to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as a counter to China's rise.
Motegi said a meeting is being arranged for Wang to meet with Suga during his visit, the first by a top Chinese official since the February visit by China's foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi.
Motegi said a rescheduling of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Japan, postponed from the spring due to the pandemic, is not being considered as the two countries focus on their fight against the pandemic.
___
Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.