Japan's new FM looks to exchanges with Chinese diplomats

Japan's newly appointed Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said on Wednesday that the country would work to advance a mutually beneficial relationship with China, grounded in the two nations' shared strategic interests.

"While Japan and China face numerous issues and challenges, there are also many opportunities and potentials," Iwaya said, highlighting the responsibility both countries share as major players in ensuring peace and prosperity in the region and globally.

During his inaugural press conference, Iwaya expressed his eagerness to meet with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the earliest opportunity.

"At this time, nothing has been decided. But I really hope that I'll be able to accumulate frank exchanges and dialog with my counterpart, Wang Yi of China," Iwaya said, emphasizing that cooperation would continue wherever possible.

He further stressed that Japan would approach the dialog with patience, aiming to foster a trusting relationship while minimizing tensions.

Addressing the idea of an 'Asian NATO', he noted that such a concept should be considered with a medium-to-long-term perspective.

He acknowledged the difficulty of immediately establishing a regional organization in Asia with mutual defense obligations, stating, "Looking toward the future, this remains a challenge to be considered over the medium and long term."