China’s Xi Jinping tells new Japanese PM that conflicts should not define their ties
At first sit-down meeting with Sanae Takaichi, Chinese leader says the two countries should focus on the bigger picture to manage differences
“The two countries should properly manage differences by focusing on the bigger picture, seeking common ground while reserving differences,” Xi was quoted as saying by state broadcaster CCTV.
“Efforts should be made to prevent conflicts and disagreements from defining the broader bilateral relationship.”
Xi and Takaichi largely kept to the diplomatic groundwork laid out in previous meetings between the countries’ leaders, reaffirming their commitment to pursue “a strategically and mutually beneficial relationship” and build constructive and stable ties.
For her part, Takaichi acknowledged the array of lingering issues and challenges between Tokyo and Beijing. But she voiced hope about tackling them head-on and improving mutual understanding.