Japan's PM Takaichi holds first meeting with Chinese President Xi

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has held her first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met on Friday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju, South Korea. Takaichi said at the outset that China is an important neighbor for Japan and that both countries bear heavy responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the region and the world.

She said she hopes to confirm with Xi the broad direction of Japan-China relations. Xi quoted Takaichi as saying China is an important neighbor for Japan and it is necessary for Japan to build a constructive and stable relationship with China and comprehensively advance a mutually beneficial relationship.