Qin Gang Meets Japanese Foreign Minister In Beijing

State media have reported that Foreign Minister Qin Gang has told his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, during talks in Beijing, that Tokyo's new export controls on semiconductor equipment will only drive Beijng's quest "to become self-reliant" in the sector.

Hayashi's visit to China is the first by a Japanese foreign minister since December 2019. It comes just days after Japan unveiled planned export controls on 23 items used to make semiconductors, following US pressure for countries to restrict China's access to the technology.

"The United States used bullying tactics to brutally suppress the Japanese semiconductor industry, and now it is repeating its old tricks against China," Qin told his counterpart, according to a readout of the meeting.

He also accused Japan of being Washington's "minion".

Reports suggested the talks were wide-ranging, covering many topics besides semiconductors, including Taiwan, waste from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and ideas for reforming the United Nations Security Council.

According to Xinhua, Qin said the two countries should strengthen exchanges and communication and advance bilateral ties, and called on Japan to have "a correct understanding of China."

Regarding the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Xinhua said Qin urged Japan to handle its disposal responsibly.

It also reported that he urged Japan to refrain from interfering in "the Taiwan question".

In the case of a Japanese citizen suspected of engaging in espionage activities in China, Xinhua said Qin told Hayashi that China would handle it "following relevant laws".

Hayashi told reporters after the meeting that Japan had "protested" the detainment, and called for "the immediate release of that individual".

He also defended Japan's restrictions on semi-conductor equipment as "consistent with international rules", adding that they were "not aimed at a specific country".

Hayashi added that the two sides had discussed the future of the disputed Diaoyu Islands, known in Japan as the Senkakus.

"We reiterated my serious concerns about the East China Sea, including the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands," he said. (Agencies)