Japan Says It Continues Pursuing Shared-Interest Relations with China

(MENAFN) Japan said on Monday that it will continue seeking stable and mutually beneficial relations with China, even as political and security tensions between the two countries continue to grow.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Tokyo remains committed to a diplomatic approach centered on shared strategic interests with Beijing, according to reports.

“Japan will continue to uphold its policy of pursuing a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests with China, a shared commitment with the neighboring nation,” Motegi told reporters, as cited by a news agency.

Relations between the two countries have worsened since comments last November by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that a potential use of force against Taiwan could be viewed as a direct threat to Japan’s national security, potentially justifying collective self-defense measures.

Since then, Beijing has repeatedly criticized Japan’s expanding defense posture and rearmament efforts, warning against what it views as a shift away from postwar military constraints.

Japan has also recently taken steps to relax long-standing restrictions on military equipment exports, allowing for the potential sale of lethal weapons abroad as part of a broader effort to strengthen its defense industry and regional influence.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged Tokyo to reverse its position on Taiwan-related rhetoric and halt what Beijing described as military expansion, calling instead for renewed focus on peaceful relations and regional trust-building.

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