Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding Telephone Talks with President Xi Jinping of China, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India
October 8, 2021
[Provisional Translation]
(Regarding telephone talks with President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India)
I first had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China for 30 minutes from 4:30 PM today. I frankly raised concerns between our two countries. I went on to express that dialogues on such issues, among others, be continued. Meanwhile, President Xi and I agreed to cooperate on matters of common interest, including North Korea. Based upon these thoughts, I stated that we should take the opportunity of next year, the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, to build a constructive and stable relations between Japan and China.
President Xi, for his part, echoed my words and expressed his willingness to develop Japan-China relations. As neighbors, Japan and China have various issues to deal with, but I would like to continue to have candid discussions with President Xi, based on today's meeting, while saying things that need to be said.
I also had a telephone talk with Prime Minister Modi of India for about 25 minutes from 5:15 PM. We confirmed that we will further develop Japan-India relations and work together to give shape to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, while also making use of the Quad of Japan, Australia, India, and the United States.
Let me add one more thing: during this week, since I took office as prime minister, I have had summit talks over the phone with all the Quad partners: first with the United States, then with Australia and today with India. I also have talked with the leaders of China and Russia. Looking back, I feel confident that I have made a good start in summit diplomacy. Next week, I will have more telephone talks with national leaders around the world. And once I gain the mandate of the people to run the Government in the upcoming election, I would like to travel around the world and proactively engage in face-to-face diplomacy.