Japan PM's APEC talks with Xi Jinping face difficulties: report
Japan's Kyodo News reports coordination for a formal summit between PM Takayuki Takai and China's Xi Jinping at next week's APEC meeting in Shenzhen is not going smoothly, citing Chinese sources who say Japan may be the only major participant without a meeting.
Coordination for a formal summit between Japanese Prime Minister Takayuki Takai and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting in Shenzhen is not progressing smoothly, Kyodo News reported on 12 November, citing sources.
According to Kyodo, Chinese sources said Japan could become the only major participating country not to hold talks with Xi. The report suggested that while Xi is expected to give a warm reception to leaders from the United States and Russia, Takai may face a cold shoulder.
The Japanese government is seeking to arrange the meeting until the last moment, but analysts cited by Kyodo said finding an opportunity for a handshake or brief encounter on the sidelines would be more realistic, given the deteriorating bilateral ties.
In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China is actively fulfilling its obligations as the APEC host and is willing to work with all parties to ensure the success of what has been called the "China Year" of APEC. Regarding China-Japan relations, Guo said China has repeatedly stated its position.