China’s Xi urges Japan to ‘face history squarely’ as leaders pledge stable ties

It is hoped Japan will ‘properly handle’ major issues including Taiwan, Xi Jinping tells Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Apec margins

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Chinese President Xi Jinping with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the 31st Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 3:57pm, 16 Nov 2024

China hopes to work with Japan to “constructively manage differences”, President Xi Jinping told Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the pair met on the sidelines of the Peru Apec summit on Friday.

The two leaders agreed to foster “stable” relations in what was their first in-person talks since Ishiba took office in October.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Xi said he hoped that Japan could “face history squarely” and “properly handle” major issues, including historical matters and Taiwan.

He also called for increased bilateral collaboration to safeguard the global free trade system, and ensure the stability and smooth operation of supply and industrial chains, citing the two countries’ “deeply intertwined” economic interests.

The Chinese and Japanese delegations, led by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, hold talks in Lima on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Both China and Japan appeared to be carefully evaluating what US president-elect Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House would mean for the power balance in the Asia-Pacific region.