Photo: VCG

 
China urged Japan to respect China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and avoid actions that could complicate the Diaoyu Islands issue and other issues. The Chinese side made the remarks during the 13th round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs held between China and Japan via video link on Monday, which was the first of its kind after Fumio Kishida took office in October.

The two countries agreed to properly manage maritime contradictions and differences, safeguard maritime security and stability, and make the East China Sea a sea of peace, cooperation, and friendship. 

Both sides agreed to build a China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements for the new era, fully implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and the four-point principled consensus.

Officials from departments including foreign affairs, defense, maritime law enforcement and marine management attended the meeting. 

China expressed dissatisfaction over Japan's negative moves in the East China Sea and South China Sea, which affected air and maritime security. China made representations on Japan's wrong words and deeds on the Taiwan Straits, and stressed its firm opposition over external forces intervention in the matter.

The two countries reached a consensus on conducting cooperation in several sectors including combating maritime crimes, enhancing law enforcement officers' communication, improving environmental protection, and safeguarding maritime navigation safety.

Despite the mutually beneficial meeting, Japanese right-wing hardliners have tried to stir up tensions between China and Japan by playing the Taiwan card. 

China's Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying on December 1 called for an "emergency meeting" with Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi, lodging solemn representations over former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's wrong remarks over the Taiwan question.

The two sides held the 12th round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs in February, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the East China Sea. The two countries agreed in principle to hold the 14th round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs in the first half of 2022.

Global Times