New Japanese ambassador to China Yutaka Yokoi (Photo : Twitter)
Japan's new ambassador to China is going to be busy once he starts working as the two countries continue to push for more cooperation between each other.
61-year-old Yutaka Yokoi arrived in Beijing on Sunday to begin his work as Japan's new ambassador to China. Yokoi has previously worked in the country for five years in a variety of other diplomatic and academic roles.
The new ambassador's appointment is said to come in at a critical moment, with China and Japan dealing with important issues, particularly regarding Japan's stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea, China Daily reported.
According to Yang Bo-jiang, the Chinese Academy of Social Science' Institute of Japan studies deputy director, more disputes will likely arise from Japan's latest security legislation.
Meanwhile, Tsinghua University Institute of Modern International Relations deputy dean Liu Jiangyong said that the Diaoyu Islands issue is still the biggest point of concern for the two countries. The Diaoyu Islands (referred to as the Senkaku by the Japanese) are a small group of islands that both countries are contesting in the last few decades.
However, analysts believe that Yokoi's experience working in China will help in facilitating communications between the two countries in resolving the disputes.
The new ambassador is often referred to as being a member of the "China school," Japanese intellectuals who are proficient in speaking Chinese and who are well-versed in the country's affairs.
During a formal send-off dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Yokoi expressed his optimism for his new position. He noted that China's growing economy has made it very attractive to Japanese enterprises. He added that it is essential to foster mutual trust between Japanese and Chinese citizens for stronger ties, People reported.
Yokoi replaces Masato Kitera, who will become Japan's new envoy to France.
