Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his concern to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the situation in the South China Sea, where incidents are escalating in disputed waters between Beijing and several countries in the region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. of Japan on Saturday..
During the first bilateral talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru, Ishiba expressed “deep concern about the situation in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Xinjiang,” the ministry said..
During the meeting, Ishiba also expressed his “deep concern about China’s increased military activity” and stressed that “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is very important to Japan and the international community,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Beijing claims sovereignty over all uninhabited reefs and islets in the South China Sea on historical grounds, ignoring a 2016 international court ruling that its claim had no legal basis. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia have claims in this maritime region of great commercial and strategic importance..
The situation has escalated in recent months, as several incidents between Chinese, Vietnamese and Philippine ships have occurred. At the same time, China has increased its pressure on Taiwan and stepped up its military maneuvers around the island, which it considers be part of its territory..
Source: Agence France-Presse
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How might Japan’s changing defense policies impact its relations with China and other Southeast Asian nations?
Interview between Time.news Editor and an Expert on South China Sea Tensions
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re discussing the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, a topic that’s drawing the attention of global leaders. We have with us Dr. Naomi Tanaka, an expert in international relations and East Asian geopolitics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tanaka.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, and I’m excited to discuss it.
Editor: Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed serious concerns to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the situation in the South China Sea. Can you shed light on why this issue is particularly pressing for Japan?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely. The South China Sea is not just a local issue; it’s a vital shipping route for global trade, including Japan’s. As Japan relies heavily on imports, especially energy resources, any instability in this region poses a risk to its economic security. Additionally, Japan has territorial disputes of its own, like those over the Senkaku Islands, which makes them wary of China’s assertiveness.
Editor: That’s a valid point. We’ve seen a rise in incidents in these disputed waters, which has implications beyond just regional actors. What are these incidents, and how do they affect international relations?
Dr. Tanaka: The incidents often involve confrontations between military vessels from China and other countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and even the United States. These confrontations can escalate quickly and create a climate of distrust. It’s a manifestation of broader regional tensions, where smaller nations are increasingly feeling threatened by China’s growing naval power, prompting them to seek stronger alliances with countries like Japan and the United States.
Editor: In light of these developments, how do you see Japan’s role evolving in this geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Tanaka: Japan is indeed taking a more proactive stance. Prime Minister Ishiba’s outreach to Xi Jinping is a crucial part of a broader strategy. Japan is emphasizing the need for dialogue while also strengthening its own defense capabilities. By reinforcing alliances with the U.S. and ASEAN countries, Japan aims to create a collaborative front that can promote regional stability.
Editor: Could this proactive approach lead to a potential change in Tokyo’s traditional pacifist policies?
Dr. Tanaka: It might. Japan has already been reinterpreting its pacifist constitution in recent years to allow for collective self-defense. If tensions continue to rise, we might see Japan increasing its military presence in the region, although it will tread carefully to avoid provoking China further.
Editor: It seems that the balance of diplomacy and military preparedness will be crucial. What do you think are the possible paths forward for Japan and China regarding this issue?
Dr. Tanaka: There are a few potential pathways. One is a continued dialogue that emphasizes regional norms and the importance of international law, which could lead to cooperative agreements. Another path could be increased militarization, where both nations may feel compelled to enhance their presence in the South China Sea, which could further escalate tensions. Ultimately, it will depend on the willingness of both leaderships to prioritize stability over nationalistic ambitions.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Tanaka. As the situation unfolds, it will certainly be interesting to see how this pivotal region develops. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.
Editor: And that was Dr. Naomi Tanaka, offering her valuable perspective on the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea following Prime Minister Ishiba’s dialogue with President Xi Jinping. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic and others that matter to you here at Time.news.