Japan, China top diplomats address key tensions in phone talks

This combination of photo shows Japans Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya right and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Reuters-Yonhap — This combination of photos shows Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya (right) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Reuters-Yonhap

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Japan's new foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, has expressed concern over China's increased military activities around Japan during phone talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

During a 45-minute call on Wednesday, the top diplomats addressed recent tensions between the two nations, including an alleged violation of Japanese airspace by a Chinese aircraft near Nagasaki in August, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

Iwaya expressed "serious concern" about the incident and requested a detailed explanation. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, the ministry said.

Wang called on Japan to "honor its political commitments on the Taiwan question," according to China's Xinhua News Agency.

Iwaya also urged Beijing to provide information about the recent fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen, citing safety concerns among Japanese residents in China.

The Chinese government had previously described the incident as "isolated."

AJP

Japan, China top diplomats address key tensions in phone talks

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