Japan Government Continues Dialogue with China to Find Clues to Resolving Outstanding Issues such as the Detention of Japan

During his first visit to China as a foreign minister in about three years, Foreign Minister Hayashi held talks with Foreign Minister Qin Gang and others, and shared the view to maintain close communication at all levels.
The Government of Japan intends to continue dialogue to seek clues to resolve outstanding issues such as the detention of Japan persons and maritime advancement in the East China Sea, and to build constructive and stable relations.

Foreign Minister Lin held a four-hour meeting with Foreign Minister Qin Gang on June 2, and also exchanged views with Premier Li Qiang, one of the top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, and Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo who oversees foreign affairs.

During the series of meetings, Minister Hayashi protested the detention of Japan men from major pharmaceutical companies in China and strongly requested their early release, and conveyed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, where China is increasing its maritime advances.

On the other hand, the two leaders stated that dialogue is necessary precisely because there are issues and outstanding issues, and shared the view that they will continue to maintain close communication at all levels, including the leaders and foreign ministers.

Minister Hayashi stated, "Although there are differences of opinion between Japan and China, I believe that we were able to deepen mutual understanding."

The Government of Japan intends to continue dialogue with China to seek clues to resolve issues and outstanding issues between the two countries and to build a constructive and stable relationship.

In addition, based on the contents of the series of meetings, I would like to lead discussions on the situation in Ukraine and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region at the G4 Hiroshima Summit next month.

On the other hand, Minister Hayashi, who returned to Japan in the early morning of March 1, is scheduled to leave for Belgium on the evening of March 7 to attend the Foreign Ministers' Meeting between NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization and partner countries such as Japan and South Korea.