China Opposing Discharge May Not Respond
Possibility of Japan-South Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting
Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa is considering a meeting with Wang, a member of the Chinese Communist Party Central Political Bureau. If the meeting takes place, the Japanese side is expected to explain the plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean.
On the 11th, local foreign media including Kyodo News reported, citing diplomatic sources, that Foreign Minister Hayashi is considering a meeting with Wang at the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) related foreign ministers' meeting to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on the 13th and 14th.
Kyodo News analyzed that if the meeting occurs, Foreign Minister Hayashi will explain Japan's position on the plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, aiming to stabilize China-Japan relations through high-level dialogue between the two countries.
However, since China opposes the Japanese government's plan to discharge contaminated water into the ocean, it is uncertain whether the meeting between the two countries will be realized. Previously, Foreign Minister Hayashi met Wang during the Munich Security Conference held in Germany in February this year and also had a meeting during his visit to China in April.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang will attend the ASEAN meeting instead of Wang. Wang, Qin's predecessor and superior, is the top figure in Chinese diplomacy and ranks within the top 24 in the power hierarchy. Meanwhile, there are also prospects that a Korea-Japan foreign ministers' meeting may be held at the ASEAN meeting.
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