Hayashi Expresses Concerns about China’s Activities

TOKYO, Feb. 2 (Jiji Press) — Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over China’s activities around Japan, including military cooperation with Russia.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hayashi told China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang over the phone that “Japan’s view of the Middle Ages is very tough.” This was the first conversation between them since Qin took office late last year.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hayashi “expressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

The two ministers shared the view that Japan and China should build a constructive and stable relationship. According to Japan’s foreign ministry, the two countries have confirmed that they will act as “responsible major powers” on international issues such as climate change.

Hata vowed to work together toward an immediate resolution of the abduction issue of Japanese citizens by North Korea.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]