Beijing-Tokyo Defense Ministers Meet: First Time in Four Years

PRESS RELEASE

Beijing-Tokyo Defense Ministers Meet: First Time in Four Years

Oct. 3, 2016 (EIRNS)—Foreign and defense officials from China and Japan kicked off a high-level security meeting in Tokyo on Sept. 29, the first one between the two sides in more than four years. Liu Jianchao, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, told the meeting that the international security situation has changed dramatically in the four years and that the situation around China and Japan has been also getting more sophisticated during this period.

It is important to maintain dialogue between the two countries’ foreign and defense ministries as the two sides are important neighbors and regional powers, Liu said, adding that the meeting is also of significance to maintain regional peace.

The Chinese diplomat also called for a sincere and pragmatic attitude so as to improve the talks and the countries’ cooperation. China-Japan relations witnessed a turning point last year with the signing of a four-point agreement. Beijing hopes to develop ties with Tokyo in the spirit of "taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future," Liu said.