Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed her stance to maintain ongoing communication regarding strained Japan-China relations.

During a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo on the afternoon of the 27th, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to a question about Japan-China relations by stating, "China is an important neighboring country," and adding, "Our policy to comprehensively promote a mutually beneficial relationship based on strategic interests and to build a constructive and stable relationship has remained consistent since taking office."

Takaichi also said, "Because there are concerns and issues in Japan-China relations, it is important to engage in dialogue and communicate at all levels and through various opportunities." She added, "We will continue to communicate while responding calmly and appropriately from the perspective of national interest, and we are looking forward to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting."

This is interpreted as having in mind the potential summit meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming summit scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, China, this November.

Regarding the issue of Japanese abductees kidnapped by North Korea, Takaichi re-emphasized her existing stance of not ruling out any options, including a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stating, "A long time has passed, but I have a strong awareness that this can no longer be delayed."

Prime Minister Takaichi, who has engaged in summit diplomacy by visiting various countries—including shuttle diplomacy with South Korea—since taking office last October, once again expressed her impression of the traditional Julbulnori fireworks she watched in Andong during her visit to South Korea last May, saying she was "moved."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)