China has urged Japan to withdraw its “incorrect remarks” and refrain from creating unnecessary complications regarding China-related matters.
The call was made during a consultation meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, 18 November, between Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kanai Masaki, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the development at a regular press briefing the same day.
According to Mao Ning, China once again lodged a strong protest over what it described as misleading remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on China-related issues. Beijing views the comments as violations of international law and fundamental norms of international relations, undermining the post–World War II international order, and severely damaging the spirit of the One-China principle as well as the four China–Japan political documents. She stated that such remarks are eroding the political foundation of China–Japan relations and carry serious implications, triggering strong indignation among the Chinese people.
Mao added that China “firmly urges Japan to retract its erroneous statements, stop provoking tension on issues involving China, and take concrete steps to recognize and correct its mistakes.” Only then, she emphasized, can the political basis of bilateral relations be safeguarded.
Information & Photo: Xinhua.