Chinese, Japanese defense ministers discuss regional 'security concerns,' tensions in Taiwan Strait

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Japan and China's defense ministers met in Singapore on Saturday to discuss "many security concerns," including rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, where Beijing claims the Senkaku Islands, which Tokyo controls.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun met for the first time since June last year on the sidelines of the annual Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

Kihara said there are "many security concerns" for the two major Asian powers such as a row over the Senkakus in the East China Sea and increased joint military activities by China and Russia around Japan.

Therefore, "frank discussions" are all the more needed, he added.

Kihara and Dong also discussed North Korea, which has been accelerating its missile activities, the news agency said.

The news agency said Kihara and Dong also discussed North Korea, which has increased its missile activities.

Pyongyang launched a military reconnaissance satellite on Monday but failed to enter orbit due to engine problems with the rocket that carried it.

Tensions have been rising in the South China Sea, where Beijing and several neighboring countries have been embroiled in territorial disputes with Philippine and Chinese vessels frequently colliding in disputed waters.

In the East China Sea, Tokyo often accuses Chinese ships of intruding into waters around the Senkaku islets, which Beijing also claims and calls Diaoyu.

During last year's meeting of the defense ministers, Japan and China agreed to properly operate their defense hotline, which was launched in May 2023 to foster mutual trust and avoid contingencies at sea and air.