LIMA, Nov 16, (V7N) - In their first face-to-face meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed "serious concerns" to Chinese President Xi Jinping over regional issues, including the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, Tokyo's foreign ministry reported Saturday.

The bilateral talks, held on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru, also focused on enhancing diplomatic exchanges. Both leaders agreed to "work towards mutual visits by foreign ministers" and advance high-level dialogue on cultural and economic cooperation.

The meeting comes after Ishiba narrowly retained his position as Japan's prime minister despite his coalition suffering its worst electoral performance in 15 years.

Japan-China ties have grown increasingly strained as Beijing expands its military presence in the region and Tokyo strengthens security ties with the United States and its allies.

During the meeting, Ishiba highlighted concerns over China's military activity and underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for Japan and the broader international community.

China's military pressure on self-ruled Taiwan—which Beijing claims as its territory—has intensified in recent years. Taiwan, however, firmly rejects China's sovereignty claims.

Xi responded by urging Japan to collaborate with China to "properly handle major issues of principle such as history and Taiwan" and to "manage differences constructively," according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite rising tensions, Xi emphasized the deep economic interdependence between the two countries, stating that China and Japan must "pursue win-win cooperation" and maintain stable global supply chains.

Both nations are key players in global trade, with closely linked industrial and economic interests. Xi called for a commitment to the global free trade system, even as geopolitical tensions challenge collaboration.

Another pressing topic was the safety of Japanese nationals in China, highlighted by the fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese boy in Shenzhen in September. Ishiba urged Xi to implement stronger measures to ensure the well-being of Japanese citizens living in China. Xi assured Ishiba that the safety of all foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens, would be a priority.

While the meeting did not resolve key differences, it underscored the necessity of dialogue amid worsening ties. As both nations navigate a complex web of economic cooperation and geopolitical friction, their ability to manage these dynamics will have significant implications for regional stability.

END/WD/RH/