NHK WORLD

Seoul Signals Willingness to Mediate as ​Japan–China Tensions⁢ Rise

South Korean ‍President Lee jae-myung indicated Wednesday his administration‌ is prepared to facilitate dialogue between Japan adn china, ‌emphasizing a preference for de-escalation and coordination over alignment with either side in regional disputes. The ⁣statement came during a press ‍conference marking the one-year anniversary of a brief period of martial law declared ​under the previous administration.

Lee’s ​offer to ⁤mediate arrives amid heightened geopolitical sensitivity in East ⁤Asia, particularly concerning Taiwan and ongoing ​past disagreements⁣ between Japan and South Korea.‌ A stable relationship between the three major powers is crucial for regional economic prosperity and security, and Lee’s​ willingness to engage could⁢ offer a pathway to prevent further escalation of existing tensions.

Addressing‍ questions about South Korea’s relationship with Japan, Lee acknowledged outstanding issues, citing the recent cancellation of a ⁣planned Japanese refueling support agreement for South Korean ‍air force aircraft at Naha Air Base in Okinawa, and also the withdrawal of a South korean military band from a Japanese Defence Ministry event. He stressed the importance of addressing these concerns through continued discussion and incremental progress.

Lee also commented on the complex dynamic between the United States and ‍China, observing a pattern of both​ competition and cooperation.​ He ⁢drew a parallel to the relationship between Japan and South Korea, suggesting that despite existing disagreements, avenues for collaboration remain.

Responding to a question regarding China’s ⁢reaction to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s remarks on Taiwan – specifically, Takaichi’s assertion that a military conflict over Taiwan could threaten ​Japan’s survival – Lee reiterated his commitment to avoiding a polarized stance. ​”Taking sides would end up escalating​ the dispute,” he stated, adding, “where possible, it is indeed desirable ‌to play a role in mediating and coordination to minimize the conflict.” Lee affirmed his​ dedication to fostering a “positive, future-oriented” partnership with Japan, despite ongoing challenges.

Japan-China Seafood Dispute Escalates, Prolonging Trade tensions

BEIJING -​ A deepening⁢ dispute⁣ over Japanese seafood exports and critical remarks ⁤exchanged between ​goverment officials signal that easing ‍tensions between Japan and China may take considerably longer than ⁤anticipated,​ potentially impacting trade relations and ‍regional stability. The ⁢conflict centers on Japan’s release of treated water from ⁤the‌ crippled‌ Fukushima Daiichi nuclear⁤ power​ plant and ⁢China’s ​subsequent ban​ on ⁣all seafood imports‍ from ten Japanese prefectures.

The core of the disagreement lies in ⁣transparency and trust.while⁤ Japan asserts it has met prerequisites for export – including assurances of⁤ product quality and safety – Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson⁤ Mao Ning stated Wednesday that Japan “has so‌ far failed ⁤to provide the promised technical materials” supporting those claims. ⁤Despite these​ assurances, mao added that ⁣even⁣ if exports resumed,⁢ Japanese seafood “would not find a market” in ⁢China. this stance follows Beijing’s notification citing concerns over the treated and diluted water released ⁤from the Fukushima plant, which suffered a triple meltdown during the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Japan maintains the‍ water, used to cool molten​ fuel, is treated to remove ⁣most radioactive ‍substances, with tritium ⁢levels diluted to approximately one-seventh of ​the World Health Organization’s drinking ⁤water guidance. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru confirmed ongoing technical exchanges with China⁤ and pledged to continue urging Beijing to lift the⁣ import bans and facilitate ⁣the re-registration⁤ of related⁤ facilities.

The dispute ​has escalated beyond trade,triggering a⁤ diplomatic clash. Japanese officials lodged a‍ strong protest with China over ​a⁢ social⁢ media post by Xue Jian,the Chinese consul-general in Osaka,responding⁤ to comments made by ⁣Japanese ‍Prime Minister Takaichi. Government sources indicate Japan demanded xue’s voluntary ⁤return home. In response, mao ⁢Ning warned that if Japan does not retract Takaichi’s remarks, or “continues‍ ‘making these mistakes,'” China ⁤will be forced to take “stern and resolute” countermeasures.

Kanai Masaaki, head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs⁣ Bureau, briefed Prime Minister takaichi Wednesday on his⁤ recent talks with Chinese counterpart Liu Jinsong in ⁢Beijing, highlighting the ‌severity of the ⁢current impasse.⁤ The ongoing friction underscores the fragility​ of the relationship between the two East Asian⁤ powers and‍ casts a shadow over future economic cooperation.

Mount Takao, ‍a popular hiking destination just outside Tokyo, is seeing a surge in lost hikers despite ​its relatively low elevation, prompting officials and local⁤ businesses to urge caution. Last year ‌alone, 131 individuals became stranded on the 600-meter peak, a nearly 50 percent ‌increase over the average of 86 incidents recorded⁢ in ⁤the⁢ previous five years.

The rise⁣ in lost hiker cases underscores a growing need for preparedness, even on well-traveled trails. While easily ⁤accessible – roughly an hour from central Tokyo by train – mount Takao presents challenges with its steep slopes and increasingly crowded conditions, notably during the autumn hiking season. The increase in incidents affects hikers of all experience levels, ⁢including⁢ foreign tourists drawn to the mountain’s⁢ natural beauty.

The mountain was bustling with visitors on Friday, enjoying the clear weather. Rental shops ‌near trailheads are seeing​ increased demand for essential gear like climbing boots and ⁣thermal wear. A ⁣staff​ member at a local ⁢hotel cautioned a customer renting boots, ​stating, “Although the mountain is​ low, caution is necessary because of the steep slopes on‌ the way.”

Beyond navigational challenges,hikers are also ‌being⁢ warned about recent wildlife activity. Bear sightings have been reported numerous times throughout the mountains of Tokyo this⁤ year, leading ⁢some to take extra precautions. One hiker in her 60s, equipped⁤ with a bell on⁤ her backpack, explained, “bear sightings have been reported in various parts of⁢ Japan, so I brought the chime to be ‍safe.” She noted seeing other hikers⁣ similarly prepared.

Businesses catering to hikers⁤ are responding⁤ to the increased awareness. A company renting transmitters has established a booth at a trail entrance ​to demonstrate necessary safety equipment. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of planning and preparedness for anyone venturing onto Mount Takao.