Japan's PM raises South China Sea concerns in meeting with Xi Jinping
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Peru, expressing serious concerns about the South China Sea situation and China's military activities. This was their first in-person discussion. Despite tensions, both leaders agreed to enhance cultural exchanges and maintain high-level economic dialogue. Ishiba emphasized the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and urged Xi to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in China. Ishiba also held talks with U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, where they opposed unilateral changes to the status quo in Asia-Pacific waters, without directly naming China.