Iwaya conveys concern over China's rare earth curbs
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Thursday and expressed strong concern over China's restrictions on rare earth exports.
During their 45-minute meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Iwaya argued that the restrictions are significantly affecting Japanese companies. He demanded that China expedite the approval process for export permit applications.
Wang responded that the normal demand of Japanese companies would be met if they comply with related rules and follow necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, Iwaya and Wang reaffirmed their countries' commitment to promoting a mutually beneficial strategic relationship to build constructive and stable ties.
The two are visiting the Malaysian capital to attend meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. They last met in Tokyo in March.
The Japanese top diplomat mentioned Chinese coast guard helicopters' intrusions into Japanese airspace near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, southernmost Japan, as well as the increased activity of Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean.
He argued that the situation in Japan's surrounding waters and skies is deteriorating, and urged China to improve it.
The two ministers acknowledged progress in resuming Chinese imports of Japanese fishery products. The Japanese side reiterated its request for China to lift all restrictions on fishery imports from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Tokyo and Fukushima.
They also discussed swiftly implementing an animal health and quarantine agreement necessary to resume exports of Japanese beef.
Iwaya demanded again that China release Japanese detainees soon, describing the detentions as one of the largest obstacles to improving public sentiment toward China.
Wang noted that as his country celebrates the 80th anniversary this year of its victory in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, he hopes Japan will learn from history and continue on the path of peaceful development.
The Japanese and Chinese officials also discussed North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and its past abductions of Japanese citizens, as well as the situation in the Middle East.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
