First Xi-Ishiba meeting brings tough talks over Japan-China relations
Chinese and Japanese leaders met for first time at APEC summit discussing trade relations safety concerns and maritime issues. Both sides raised key points about improving bilateral ties while addressing recent problems
At the APEC summit in Lima Xi Jinping and newly-appointed Shigeru Ishiba had their first face-to-face talk‚ where both leaders raised tough questions about their countries relations
The chinese leader pointed-out two main issues: Japan should handle Taiwan and historical matters properly; while also working on keeping global trade-chains stable. On the other side Ishiba who became PM just last month asked to lift the sea-food ban (related to Fukushima water release) and improve safety for Japanese people in China
Recent events have made relations more complex: two knife attacks in China happened this year - one taking place in june where a Chinese woman died protecting Japanese mother and child; another in september resulting in death of a 10-year old Japanese boy. These events plus detained Japanese nationals in China were key-points in Ishibas requests
Both countries officials have started talking again after years of silence which shows some positive movement in their relationship. However several issues remain unsolved:
- Maritime territory disputes
- Trade restrictions
- Fukushima water concerns
- Safety of Japanese nationals
The meeting took place while other important talks were happening - leaders of Japan S.Korea and US met to strengthen ties before next years political changes in America
