Japan Raises Key Security and Human Rights Concerns
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first official bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC 2025 Summit, marking a significant diplomatic encounter aimed at stabilizing relations between Asia’s two largest economies amid regional tensions and global uncertainty.
During the talks, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a “strategic, mutually beneficial relationship” and pledged to strengthen communication channels to manage disputes, promote economic cooperation, and ensure regional stability. However, the meeting also exposed long-standing differences on key issues including maritime security, trade restrictions, and human rights.
Prime Minister Takaichi conveyed Japan’s serious concerns to President Xi over China’s activities around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, describing them as attempts to “unilaterally change the status quo by force.” She emphasized the need for effective crisis management mechanisms and direct defense communication to prevent escalation.
Takaichi also addressed economic coercion, including China’s export controls on rare earths and trade barriers affecting Japanese goods. She called for the resumption of imports of Japanese seafood and beef, as well as the lifting of restrictions on products from the Fukushima region.
On human rights, the Japanese leader expressed “deep concern” over conditions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Southern Mongolia, urging China to respect international standards and uphold individual freedoms.
In his opening remarks, President Xi described Japan as a constructive and essential partner and expressed China’s willingness to work together under the “four political documents” that have guided China–Japan relations for decades.
Xi said the world is undergoing “profound changes unseen in a century,” making it imperative for both nations to maintain communication and promote a healthy, stable, and forward-looking partnership that benefits the Asia-Pacific region and the international community.
He called on both sides to safeguard political trust, uphold dialogue, and build a “new era” framework for bilateral relations grounded in mutual respect and non-confrontation.
Prime Minister Takaichi characterized the meeting as “substantive and meaningful,” emphasizing the importance of direct, candid dialogue on difficult issues.
While reaffirming Japan’s firm stance on territorial and human rights matters, she also underscored areas where cooperation remains possible — such as trade, environmental issues, and regional peace.
Both sides agreed to enhance communication in multiple fields — including economic, political, and defense dialogue — and to develop institutionalized crisis management mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings or military incidents.
In a post-summit press briefing, Takaichi confirmed that Taiwan was discussed during the meeting. She stated that regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are of “utmost importance” and that maintaining good relations among all parties is key to security in the region.
When asked whether Japan had raised the issue of human rights in Inner Mongolia, she confirmed that these concerns were addressed alongside those in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, “directly and firmly.”
The Xi–Takaichi dialogue was measured but forward-looking, reflecting both caution and pragmatism.
Despite differences, both leaders conveyed a clear desire to avoid confrontation, maintain open diplomatic channels, and promote constructive coexistence in the Asia-Pacific.
Observers view the meeting as a potential turning point for China–Japan relations, following years of strained ties over territorial disputes and competing regional influence.
This summit marks the first direct engagement between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi since she assumed office.
It took place against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, rising U.S.–China competition, and Japan’s efforts to balance its alliance with the United States while maintaining stable ties with Beijing.
APEC 2025 in Gyeongju brought together 21 world leaders under the theme of “Shared Growth, Resilient Asia-Pacific.” The Xi–Takaichi meeting was among the most closely watched bilateral sessions, symbolizing renewed diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and stability in East Asia.#
