China silent on Takaichi-Xi meeting at APEC summit

Detailed summary

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson made no mention of a possible meeting between the leaders of Japan and China when asked whether one would take place on the sidelines of…

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson made no mention of a possible meeting between the leaders of Japan and China when asked whether one would take place on the sidelines of next week's APEC summit in China.

He was asked by a reporter for a Western media outlet if Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to be held next Wednesday and Thursday in Shenzhen.

Guo said China will earnestly fulfill its duties as this year's APEC host. He added that Beijing has repeatedly stated its position on China-Japan relations.

Guo also said Premier Li Qiang will attend a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the Philippines for two days from Sunday.

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have deteriorated after a remark Takaichi made in the Diet last year about a possible Taiwan contingency. China reacted sharply, saying Japan should swiftly correct its erroneous words and actions. There has been no high-level official meeting between the governments since then.

Takaichi is scheduled to attend the APEC and ASEAN summits. Attention is focused on whether there will be any developments leading to improved bilateral relations, including contacts between Takaichi and Xi and Li.

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