Japan - October 23, 2024

China and Japan on Wednesday held the 17th round of consultations under the High-level Consultation Mechanism on Maritime Affairs in Tokyo, during which China urged Japan to stop complicating maritime situation and called for joint efforts to enhance cooperation in this area.

The two sides held a plenary meeting and three separate working group meetings on maritime defense, maritime law enforcement and security, and maritime economy.

During the meetings, China elaborated its positions on issues concerning East China Sea, the Diaoyu Islands, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and maritime and airspace security.

Beijing urged Tokyo to earnestly respect China's territorial sovereignty and security concerns, cease making negative words and deeds concerning maritime issues, and take practical actions to improve and develop bilateral ties.

Both sides agreed to continue to maintain close communication on maritime affairs, and be committed to making positive efforts to turn the East China Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation, and friendship and facilitating the building of a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

The two sides also discussed specific areas of cooperation such as defense security, maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and fishery management, confirming their willingness to enhance dialogue and exchanges, and advance mutually beneficial cooperation.

Both parties agreed in principle to hold the 18th round of consultations in China next year.

Shotlist:
Tokyo, Japan - Oct 23, 2024:
1. Kaiun Club building for maritime affairs meeting;
2. Attendees of 17th round of consultations under High-level Consultation Mechanism on Maritime Affairs between China, Japan;
3. National flags of China, Japan;
4. Hong Liang, director of Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, shaking hands with Hiroyuki Namazu, director of Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan;
5. Conference agenda;
6. Attendees, cameramen.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]