Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Minister of Defense, KIHARA Minoru, voiced serious concerns about China’s actions in the East China Sea and South China Sea in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun on the sidelines of the 21st IISS Asian Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore on Saturday.

The East China Sea includes the Senkaku Islands, which are claimed by both countries, and Kihara said he was concerned about China’s increased military activities in the seas and airspace surrounding Japan. 

Kihara stated his serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He also expressed concern about China’s relationship with Russia and strongly condemned North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile launches. 

Dong agreed with Kihara that it is important to have candid discussions between the defense authorities of the two countries, particularly as they have many security concerns.

With that in mind, the two ministers reconfirmed that the hotline between Japan and China’s defense authorities will be operated appropriately and agreed to continue promoting dialogue and exchanges.