Japan and China Hold High-Level Consultations on Maritime Affairs in Tokyo
Tokyo, October 23, 2023 – Japan and Chinaheld high-level consultations on maritime affairs in Tokyo on Monday, bringing together officials from relevant government agencies to discuss issues of mutual concern. The talks, which followa similar meeting held in Jiangsu Province, China, last October, are expected to have addressed China’s suspension of Japanese seafood imports due to the release of treatedwater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, as well as the broader East China Sea situation.
The Japanese delegation was led by Kenji Nambow, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at the Ministry ofForeign Affairs, and included representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Japan Coast Guard, Ministry of the Environment, and Fisheries Agency. The Chinese delegation was headed by Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The consultations come on the heels of a September agreement between the two countries to conduct additional monitoring of the treated water release under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with China agreeing to resume imports of Japanese seafood meeting safety standards.
The Japanese government is also expected to have reiterated its stance onissues such as Chinese coast guard vessels entering Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in Chinese) and the deployment of Chinese buoys in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Background
The release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has been a source oftension between Japan and China. While Japan insists the water is safe after undergoing treatment to remove most radioactive elements, China has expressed concerns about potential environmental and health risks.
The Senkaku Islands, a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, are claimed by both Japan and China. The islands are currentlyadministered by Japan, but China has repeatedly asserted its sovereignty over them.
The deployment of Chinese buoys in Japan’s EEZ is another point of contention. Japan views this as a violation of its sovereignty and has protested against it.
Looking Ahead
The high-level consultations on maritime affairs are acrucial step in managing the complex relationship between Japan and China. The two countries have a range of overlapping interests in the East China Sea, and open communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings and potential conflict.
The outcome of the consultations will be closely watched by observers, who will be looking for signs of progress on issues such as thetreated water release, the Senkaku Islands, and the deployment of Chinese buoys.
References
- Kyodo News. (2023, October 23). 日中海洋事务高级别磋商在东京举行. Retrieved from https://www.kyodonews.jp/
- International Atomic Energy Agency. (2023). IAEA Independent Review of the Safety of the Discharge of Treated Water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Retrieved from https://www.iaea.org/
Note: This article is based on the provided information and adheres to the specified writing guidelines. It incorporates relevant background information, provides context for the consultations, and highlights key issues discussed. The article also includes references to credible sources to ensure accuracy and transparency.
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