Japan has lodged a protest with China over a statement that misquoted Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s remarks during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to Japan, the Chinese foreign ministry issued an announcement stating Ishiba said “respects” Japan’s positions, when in fact no such statement was made.
Ishiba had stressed the importance of reducing concerns and issues between the two nations, including releasing detained Japanese nationals and lifting import restrictions on Japan’s products. China’s foreign ministry described the meeting as “important and beneficial”, but its spokesperson defended the quoted remarks, claiming it was a normal part of state-to-state relations.
The incident highlights tensions between the two countries, which have been working to improve their relationship in recent years. Japan has asked China to delete the incorrect material from its website, but the statement remains online as of Monday afternoon.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-protests-chinese-government-statement-it-says-misquoted-pm-ishiba-2025-03-24