China and Japan Foreign Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Battle from Early Year... Latin America and Africa Tours

The king with Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister (left), and Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Foreign Minister
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The foreign ministers of Japan and China are actively engaging in diplomatic efforts by touring Latin America, Africa, and other regions from the beginning of the new year.

According to Kyodo News on the 5th, Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Foreign Minister, departed the previous day to tour eight countries in Latin America and Africa. He plans to visit Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay by the 9th, followed by Senegal, Nigeria, and Kenya from the 10th to the 13th.

In Mexico, Foreign Minister Motegi met with Marcelo Ebrard, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, agreeing to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and discuss measures against COVID-19. Kyodo News expects that Japan will discuss with Latin American countries the importance of freedom of navigation and the rule of law, aiming to check China, which is expanding maritime hegemony in the East and South China Seas.

While Motegi visits Latin America, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, will visit Africa as his first tour of the new year. China has been making efforts for years to strengthen relations with Africa to secure resources. Foreign Minister Wang departed on the 4th and will officially visit Nigeria, Congo, Botswana, Tanzania, and Seychelles until the 9th of this month.

After Foreign Minister Wang leaves Africa, Motegi will visit the continent again this month following his visit last month. He is expected to discuss cooperation plans regarding economic development support and COVID-19 response.

Kyodo News reported that Motegi's first overseas tour of the new year is aimed at countering China, which is expanding its influence through large-scale infrastructure investments in Africa and Latin America. He is scheduled to strengthen economic relations with each visited country and confirm cooperation on Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.