Japan and the U.S. foreign ministers will hold talks in India to discuss policies toward China, with rare earths and other materials being key issues. China's Foreign Ministry stated: "China has legally and regulation-based prohibited the export of dual-use items to Japanese military users and for military purposes, with the aim of preventing Japan's 're-militarization' and nuclear ambitions."
According to Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Muto Toshimitsu will hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio in New Delhi, the capital of India, on the 26th.
It is reported that Muto hopes to coordinate views between Japan and the U.S. regarding Taiwan Strait issues and China's economic influence. The ongoing tense situation in Iran is also expected to be a topic of discussion.
Muto plans to advocate advancing Japan's diplomatic cornerstone—the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) initiative—and seek U.S. support. Stable supply of critical minerals may also become a subject of discussion.
On Monday, May 25, during a regular press conference hosted by China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, a Reuters reporter asked: "According to Chinese customs data, China has not exported several heavy rare earth elements and other materials to Japan for at least four months. This coincides with the timing of the cross-Taiwan Strait dispute between China and Japan. Can China confirm that the suspension of exports to Japan was a response to Prime Minister Sanae Takagi’s remarks on Taiwan?" Mao Ning replied: "China has legally and regulation-based prohibited the export of dual-use items to Japanese military users and for military purposes, with the aim of preventing Japan's 're-militarization' and nuclear ambitions."
Currently, the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) foreign ministers’ meeting involving Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India is underway. A news flash from Kyodo News on the 26th indicated that the four countries issued a joint statement emphasizing that achieving peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region requires adherence to international law. Additionally, after the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, Japanese Foreign Minister Muto Toshimitsu said at a joint press conference: "All participants unanimously agreed to strongly oppose attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force." The parties also jointly expressed deep concern over export controls on critical minerals.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866253170315276/
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