Japanese and Chinese Foreign Ministers Meet in Manila

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday afternoon in Manila. The encounter took place on the sidelines of a gathering of Southeast Asian foreign ministers and represents the first dialogue between the two officials since November.

Relations between the two nations deteriorated last autumn following comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan could intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked. Following those remarks, China imposed trade restrictions and issued travel advisories against visiting Japan.

While Motegi confirmed the meeting and stressed the necessity of continued communication, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China declined to acknowledge the encounter. Spokesman Lin Jian stated he was unaware of any meeting plans between Wang Yi and the Japanese delegation during the visit to Manila.