During the meeting, Wang Yi expressed concerns over the arms expansion by Japan in recent years and urged it to stick to the road of peaceful development.

He also outlined China's position on the Taiwan issue, particularly on the controversial Japan-U.S. security cooperation which involves Taiwan.

Position of Japan Reiterated

Takano said that Japan will adhere to its peaceful constitution and refrain from becoming a major military power.

He also reiterated Japan will stick to its three principles of not acquiring nuclear weapons, not obtaining offensive weapons and not resorting to threats of use of force.

Takano said Japan will deal with the Taiwan issue in accordance with the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration.

He added that Japan will not transfer relative technologies of the Theater Missile Defense Systems, being jointly developed by Japan and the U.S., to a third country or region.

Case of Suspicious Ship Discussed

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the case of the suspicious ship sunk by Japan's Self-Defense Forces in China's exclusive economic zone in the East China Sea.

Wang Yi stressed that China is resolute to safeguard its sovereignty and jurisdictions over its exclusive economic zone in accordance with international law and Chinese laws.

Takano said that Japan understands China's position on this issue and had notified China over the development of the issue.

He added that the Japanese government will continue to closely communicate with China about the issue.

The two sides also agreed to hold the next round of bilateral security talks in China.

(People's Daily March 19, 2002)