### Japan and China Commit to Foster Stable Relations Amid Tensions

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held his first in-person talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, agreeing to foster "mutually beneficial" and "stable" relations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed Japan's "extreme concern" over China's increasingly assertive military actions. Despite numerous differences between the two nations, both leaders concurred on the importance of continuing dialogue. "We will continue to have more meetings," Ishiba assured reporters, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions.

This meeting marked the first face-to-face interaction between a Japanese prime minister and President Xi in over a year. Both governments agreed to facilitate more high-level talks, which include reciprocal visits by foreign ministers and enhanced economic dialogue, as noted by Japan's Foreign Ministry.

China's aggressive military activities, including naval and air operations near Japanese-controlled territories and around Taiwan, remain a contentious issue. Notably, a Chinese military aircraft had entered Japanese airspace for the first time this past August. Moreover, tensions heightened after the tragic stabbing death of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen a month later.

In response to these concerns, Ishiba sought assurances from Xi regarding the safety of Japanese citizens, to which Xi pledged safety for "all foreigners." Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for Japan to confront its historical issues and manage sensitive topics like Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

Despite the historical and territorial tensions, both countries recognize the strategic advantage of reducing hostilities. Ishiba reaffirmed the foundational policy direction of bilateral relations established in 2008, a stance also acknowledged by Xi. According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi expressed China's readiness to cooperate with Japan to build a "constructive and stable relationship," highlighting its broader significance.

The meeting also occurred against the backdrop of a changing U.S. administration, with President-elect Donald Trump expected to adopt a tougher stance on China. Under such conditions, China has historically sought stronger ties with other nations, including Japan.

However, Ishiba's leadership faces instability, having recently been re-elected as Japan's prime minister despite his party's losses in the House of Representatives. Ishiba also inquired about the resumption of seafood imports from Japan, which China had previously banned due to concerns over radioactive contamination from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Xi reassured Ishiba about China’s commitment to gradually lift the ban, although no specific timetable was provided.

The dialogue also touched upon the export of Japanese beef and rice to China, with Xi suggesting that these issues be further discussed between relevant authorities.