Wang Yi calls on Japan to meet China halfway for sound development of ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on Japan to meet China halfway and grasp the correct direction of bilateral relations to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan ties.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, in New York.

Wang said it is the shared responsibility of both sides to comprehensively advance the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan.

Stressing that Japan attaches great importance to Japan-China relations, Kamikawa said both countries should maintain communication and dialogue in all fields and at all levels, including the negotiation of resolving the issue of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, and jointly safeguard regional peace and development.

The foundation of bilateral relations lies in the exchanges between the people, she said, expressing her hope that China will properly handle the attack on the Japanese student in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen and ensure the safety of Japanese people in China.

Noting that China opposes Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, Wang said that since Japan has agreed to accept long-term international monitoring arrangements and independent sampling and monitoring by China and all other stakeholders, it should keep to its words.

China will investigate and handle the attack on the Japanese student in Shenzhen in accordance with the law, and will, as always, ensure the safety of all foreign citizens in China in accordance with the law, he said, adding that Japan should treat it calmly and rationally and avoid politicizing and amplifying the matter.