Amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Director General Akiba of the National Security Bureau met with Politburo member Yang Jiechi, who oversees China's foreign affairs, for seven hours until late at night on the 17th. He reiterated the importance of stability.
Tensions are rising in the Taiwan Strait, with China conducting large-scale military exercises in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. It is also affecting Japan-China relations, such as falling inward.
Against this backdrop, Director General Akiba of the National Security Agency met with Politburo member Yang Jiechi, who oversees China's foreign affairs, yesterday afternoon in Tianjin, which borders Beijing, at the invitation of the Chinese side.
The talks lasted seven hours, late into the night of the 17th.
Regarding the recent situation in Taiwan, Director-General Akiba criticized and protested China's large-scale military exercises, and reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the region, including the Taiwan Strait.
On the other hand, the two leaders shared the view that multi-layered communication between the two countries is important, given that the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China is approaching next month.
They reaffirmed the value of face-to-face dialogue, and shared the view that they will continue to engage in dialogue in order to build a "constructive and stable relationship" between the two countries.
*Chi = bamboo crown with underpants.