Japan foreign minister eyes 1st China trip in over 2 years

Beijing extends invitation as multiple issues complicate relations

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi says Japan is in a position to actively engage with both Beijing and Washington. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

November 22, 2021 00:15 JST

TOKYO -- China has asked Japan's top diplomat to visit the country, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi revealed Sunday, in what would be the first such trip since December 2019.

"We've received the invitation, so we will make arrangements," Hayashi said on a television program, noting he had received the request to visit China during a telephone discussion with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday. No date has been decided on.