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🇸🇬 Singapore /Economy & Trade

China says Japan-India cooperation should not target Beijing

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • China stated that cooperation between India and Japan should not target Beijing, following the leaders' agreement to enhance collaboration on critical minerals.
  • Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged nations to foster understanding and trust, emphasizing that cooperation should not harm third-party interests or incite confrontation.
  • The remarks come amid increased tensions, including Japan's suggestion of military involvement in a Taiwan conflict and China's subsequent restrictions on rare earth exports.

China has voiced concerns that increased cooperation between India and Japan, particularly on critical minerals, should not be directed against Beijing. The Chinese foreign ministry urged nations to promote understanding and trust, stating that bilateral cooperation should not target or harm the interests of third parties, nor serve as a pretext for forming exclusive blocs or fueling confrontation.

Cooperation between nations... should not target or harm the interests of third parties, let alone serve as a pretext for forming exclusive cliques or stoking confrontation.

— Guo JiakunChina's foreign ministry spokesperson commenting on India-Japan cooperation.

These comments follow a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's Sanae Takaichi in New Delhi, where they agreed to strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic sectors like semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals. Takaichi highlighted challenges including the "weaponization of the economy and non-market policies and practices."

strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals

— Narendra ModiIndian Prime Minister speaking after talks with Japan's Sanae Takaichi.

The relationship between Beijing and Tokyo has been strained, notably after Takaichi's suggestion in November that a potential attack on Taiwan could warrant Japanese military involvement. China has responded by restricting rare earth exports to Japan, a sector it dominates globally. This latest exchange underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions and strategic competition in the region.

weaponisation of the economy and non-market policies and practices

— Sanae TakaichiJapanese Minister of State for Economic Security warning about global challenges.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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