Japan Refrains from Commenting on South Korea-China Summit: "Japan and South Korea Are Important Neighbors"

"Open Dialogue with China"
Growing Importance of Trilateral Cooperation... Active Implementation of Shuttle Diplomacy

On January 6, the Japanese government refrained from commenting on the South Korea-China summit held in Beijing the previous day and reiterated its fundamental positions regarding Japan-South Korea and Japan-China relations.

Yonhap News Agency

Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at a press conference that morning that he would refrain from commenting on the remarks made by leaders in meetings between third countries regarding the South Korea-China summit.

Kihara further explained, "Japan maintains its policy of comprehensively promoting a mutually beneficial strategic relationship with China to build a constructive and stable relationship," adding, "We remain open to various dialogues with China."

These remarks are in line with comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Japan-China relations during her New Year's press conference the previous day.

Regarding Japan-South Korea relations, Kihara emphasized, "We are communicating about the regional situation," and stated, "Japan and South Korea are important neighboring countries that must cooperate as partners on various issues facing the international community."

He added that the importance of Japan-South Korea relations and trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States, and South Korea is increasing in the current strategic environment, and said, "We will continue to maintain close communication between the two governments, including the active implementation of shuttle diplomacy."

Japanese media have expressed caution over President Lee Jaemyung's visit to China and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly amid heightened tensions between Japan and China following Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks suggesting possible intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

When asked about the coordination between the Japanese and South Korean governments regarding the DNA analysis of remains from the Josei undersea coal mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where 136 Korean laborers died, Kihara said, "We are communicating respectfully," and added, "We will continue to respond appropriately."

Regarding the United States' recent military operation to capture and extradite Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Kihara stated, "Japan is not a direct party to the matter and is not in a position to fully grasp the detailed facts," expressing a cautious stance.