Manila: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Thursday that he exchanged greetings with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Manila on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Motegi spoke about Japan-China relations during a press conference in the Philippine capital, adding, "I will refrain from commenting on details as it was a diplomatic conversation." The ministers are in Manila for a series of foreign ministerial meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. They conversed without interpreters upon encountering each other between meetings around noon Wednesday.

This marks the first conversation between Motegi and Wang since Japan-China relations deteriorated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks last November concerning a possible contingency over Taiwan. Their last talks occurred in October 2025 via phone. Motegi expressed his hope to continue dialogue with the Chinese foreign minister.

Additionally, Motegi mentioned that he had contact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a banquet hosted by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro on Tuesday. "We have known each other for a long time, and we discussed relations between our countries and regional issues," he stated. Despite current challenges in Japan-Russia relations, Motegi emphasized the importance of managing bilateral ties appropriately.