Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks in Seoul on May 26 amid cooled bilateral relations.

The two leaders affirmed that they will seek progress on various issues based on the broad direction of comprehensively promoting a mutually beneficial strategic relationship and building constructive and stable ties.

But Japanese officials said the two sides remained at odds over the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.

Kishida told Li that he expects China to pay heed to the monitoring work that the International Atomic Energy Agency and other entities are doing involving the water discharge.

But Li responded that he hopes Japan will effectively fulfill its responsibilities and obligations as the water release affects the health of all mankind.

Still, Kishida asked China to lift its import ban on Japanese marine products that was put in place after Japan began the water discharge in August 2023.

On China’s military exercises held near Taiwan, Kishida emphasized to Li the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Li, however, noted that for China, the Taiwan issue is the core of its core interests.

While outstanding issues remain, Kishida and Li reaffirmed the importance of ensuring an environment in which legitimate business activities can be secured and agreed to expand cooperation while utilizing bilateral high-level economic dialogues.

These were the first talks between Kishida and Li since they stand chatted in September last year.

As arrangements were not finalized until the last minute, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official expressed relief, saying having the talks was far better than not meeting bilaterally.

A senior ministry official said the atmosphere was not harsh and the two leaders were able to hold serious discussions.