Tokyo, Mar 20 (EFE).- Japan said Monday it would monitor the movements of Russia and China in relation to Ukraine on the occasion of the Monday visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow.
“While Ukraine is making efforts to protect its country, the negotiation on its future must be taken by the people of Ukraine,” Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said today at a press conference, adding that his country would “closely monitor” the movements of Russia and China, insisting on a resolution of the conflict.
Matsuno didn’t comment on China’s intention concerning the visit but condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, as well as comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the annexation of the country.
Japan’s reaction coincides with the arrival of Xi Jinping in Moscow, where he will meet for an informal lunch with Putin, with whom he will hold negotiations Tuesday, and after Beijing presents an initiative to settle the conflict between Russians and Ukrainians.
Putin and Xi, who have had tense relations with the United States in recent months, will hold a press conference after their talks.
The Japanese government has also been approving a series of sanctions against Russia, such as the freezing of assets of senior government officials, including the country’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin. EFE
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