Japan’s ‘Iron Lady,’ China’s Xi Hold First Talks Despite Beijing's Red Lines

Japan's new prime minister, Sai Takayichi, held her first meeting with Chinese leader Xiinping during the APEC summit in South Korea on Friday. Takayichi acknowledges that Tokyo and Beijing still face many unresolved issues, but says she hopes to reduce tensions and keep communication with Xi. Both sides have agreed to move forward with what they called a strategic mutually beneficial relationship. Their conversation lasted roughly 30 minutes. China brought up the issue of Taiwan early in the talks. >> She made some remarks about Taiwan. So I told him that maintaining a good China Taiwan relationship is extremely important for regional stability and security. >> Taki also pushed back on Beijing's red lines regarding human rights in Shen Jang and Hong Kong. She also challenged China on activities near the disputed Skinaku Islands and rare earth export controls threatening global supply chains. Japan pressed Beijing to ensure the safety of its citizens there and lift bans on Japanese seafood and beef. Meanwhile, Xiinping urged Japan to view the two countries relations through an historical lens. He referenced former Prime Minister Tamayichi Muryama's deep remorse for Japan's wartime aggression. >> Takayichi, dubbed Japan's iron lady, has taken a firm foreign policy stance. She's working closely with allies, especially the US, to maintain regional geopolitical balance. That comes as China pushes to reshape the global order and challenge Western democracies. Notably, after her election, she broke tradition by not sending a personal congratulatory message. Instead, he delegated the task to Chinese Premier Liang. Observers noted a stark contrast in tone. Takayichi appeared to warmly regard President Donald Trump earlier this week, but she was visibly reserved with shei.