Takeo Akiba, secretary general of the National Security Secretariat, criticized Beijing's extensive military exercises around Taiwan earlier this month in a recent meeting with Yang Jiechi, China's top diplomat, the Japanese government said Thursday.
During the Wednesday meeting with Yang, who is a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo, Akiba stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region. They agreed to continue the dialogue between Tokyo and Beijing.
The Chinese side invited Akiba to Tianjin, China, for the talks, which lasted about seven hours total, including dinner. It was Akiba's first meeting with Yang in person since assuming his current post.
