Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stressed the importance of communication with China in a speech before parliament on Friday. He said it is necessary to stay in touch due to pending issues between the two countries and added that Japan is open to dialogue. This follows a deterioration in relations since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks last November on a possible Taiwan contingency.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized the importance of communication with China during a speech before parliament. "It is necessary to keep in touch with China all the more because there are pending issues between the two countries," he said. Motegi added that Japan is open to dialogue.
Japan-China relations have deteriorated since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks last November over a possible contingency concerning Taiwan, which Beijing considers to be at the center of its core interests. The speech highlights Japan's intent to maintain dialogue amid these strains.
Motegi's statement underscores the need for ongoing contact to address bilateral concerns, clarifying Japan's willingness to engage.