Wed Oct 02 15:18:27 UTC 2024: ## Japan Aims to Improve Ties with China After “Forward-Looking” Congratulatory Message

**TOKYO** – Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed hopes of improving relations with China after receiving a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The message, deemed “forward-looking” by Japanese officials, highlighted the shared interest in peaceful coexistence, friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

Ties between Japan and China have been strained over territorial disputes, historical issues stemming from Japan’s wartime actions, and more recently, the tragic death of a Japanese schoolboy in China.

Xi’s message expressed hope for a constructive and stable relationship, urging both nations to meet each other halfway. Japan’s Chief Government Spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the message, acknowledging the challenges but expressing Tokyo’s desire to build a strong relationship through mutual effort and enhanced communication.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasized the need for a balanced approach toward China, involving dialogue and deterrence, given its increasingly assertive military actions and territorial claims. Iwaya expressed his hope to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, soon.

Ishiba’s first diplomatic engagements included phone calls with US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in security and other areas.

Ishiba, who previously served under former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, acknowledged Japan’s commitment to accelerating its military buildup, as outlined in the 2022 national security strategy. While not mentioning his proposal for a more equitable Japan-US security alliance during his conversation with Biden, he did express his intention to strengthen Japan’s defense and diplomatic policies.

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