China's top diplomat meets SCO secretary-general, secretary-general-designate

China

China's top diplomat meets SCO secretary-general, secretary-general-designate

2024-12-14 07:24 Last Updated At：14:57

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Zhang Ming and Nurlan Yermekbayev, who has been appointed as the next SCO secretary-general, in Beijing on Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, commended Zhang for his outstanding achievements in the development and growth of the SCO, congratulated Yermekbayev on his upcoming office, and said that China will continue providing support and convenience for the secretary-general in performing the duties and the work of the Secretariat.

Wang said that over the past three years, under the leadership of the heads of member states and the joint efforts of member states, the SCO has forged ahead with determination to upgrade cooperation and grow from strength to strength.

Noting that China now holds the rotating presidency of the SCO and is making every effort to advance its work, Wang said that the country has full confidence in the bright future of the SCO and is ready to work with other member states to build it into a force stabilizing international order, a reliable source of prosperity and rejuvenation for member states, and a happy home for people in the region.

The SCO Secretariat has accomplished much over the last three years, with the trust and care of member states and the support and assistance of China, and guided by the Shanghai spirit, Zhang said, adding that it has promoted practical cooperation in various fields, endeavored to enhance the international influence of the organization and the sense of gain felt by people in all countries, and become a clear promoter of the construction of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for all.

Yermekbayev spoke highly of China's leading role in the development of the SCO, saying that after taking office as secretary-general, he will continue to fully support the work of the Chinese presidency and work collaboratively to prepare for the SCO summit next year.

Protesters rally in Tokyo over PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, military expansion plans

A protest in Tokyo on Saturday highlighted growing public concern over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on China's Taiwan region and the government's plans to expand its military.

In early November 2025, Takaichi said a "Taiwan contingency" could constitute what she called a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, remarks that many critics say reflect nostalgia for Japan's colonial past and an attempt to weaponize the Taiwan issue against China.

Protesters distributed flyers and held up signs denouncing Takaichi's remarks and policies.

"The Japanese government has already acknowledged that Taiwan is part of China, so I can't help but wonder why the current prime minister would make such remarks. We truly hope there will be no more statements like this. Takaichi should either retract her words or just resign. Her comments have triggered a serious crisis, and she must take full responsibility," one protester said.

"There is widespread anger toward Takaichi within Japan. If the government truly prioritizes people's livelihoods, it must pursue responsible diplomacy, reject any provocation of war and uphold the pacifist constitution. This is what matters most," another demonstrator said.

"It is an interference in China's internal affairs. She must immediately and sincerely apologize for her remarks," said another participant in the rally.

Protesters also said Takaichi's aggressive actions since taking office, including intending to revise three national security documents, easing restrictions on arms exports and planning to increase the defence budget, are dangerous, particularly given Japan's failure to fully reckon with its World War II history.

"Japan's military buildup is dangerous. Eight decades have passed since the war ended, yet the country still hasn't fully reflected on or accounted for its wartime past," a protester said.