The Japanese government directly expressed to China on Thursday that it is "seriously concerned" about Beijing's move on Hong Kong after China's National People's Congress adopted a plan to introduce national security legislation.
Japan strongly warned China about its actions by hinting that this matter could affect Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Japan as a state guest.
Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday evening to stress Japan's position on the matter. According to the ministry, Kong said this is an issue regarding China's national security.
Following that, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters, "I'm deeply concerned about the situation in Hong Kong."
Regarding a possible impact on Xi's visit to Japan, Motegi called for China to take appropriate action, saying: "International cooperation is extremely important. It is crucial to carry out various activities, while reaffirming its responsibility as a major power with regards to tackling challenges the international community is facing."
At a press conference on Thursday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also said, "Regarding the visit as a state guest, we would like to promote communication between Japan and China while looking at the related situation as a whole."
At a press conference on May 22, Suga had mentioned the significance of Xi's visit to Japan, saying, "We intend to make the visit serve as an opportunity for both Japan and China to demonstrate both at home and abroad that the countries will fulfill their responsibilities together for tackling challenges the international community is facing."
As for Japan's stance with China, a senior government official said: "The Hong Kong situation has a great impact. [Japan] will make a decision based on China's future response."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
