Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, left, during a video conference with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on May 18 provided by Foreign Ministry Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, urged China to play a responsible role in sustaining peace and security around the world, noting that Beijing has yet to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On May 18, Hayashi made the call during a video conference with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Russia's aggression was a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have issued a joint statement last month that issued a warning to Beijing about the conflict in Ukraine.
China has refused to denounce Russia for the invasion, which began in late February. It abstained from voting on a U.N. General Assembly resolution in March that demanded Russia pull its forces out of Ukraine.
The first video conference between Hayashi and Wang since November was held at Japan's request.
Hayashi noted that the Japanese public opinion towards China is extremely critical.
The two countries should hold more talks and advance cooperation in areas where they can fulfill their responsibility to the international community, Hayashi said.
Wang said that the neighbors should work towards building stable and constructive ties.
The top Japanese diplomat expressed deep concern about Chinese activity in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uighur autonomous region.
He spoke about the importance of maintaining the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait during the 70 minute meeting.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang mentioned developments ahead of the next Quad Leaders Summit in Tokyo on May 24.
Even before U.S. President Joe Biden visits Japan, Wang expressed concerns about the heightened calls for Japan and the United States to align to counter China.
"The S. alliance should not undermine China's sovereignty and security," Wang said.
Both foreign ministers expressed a willingness to hold commemorative events this year to mark the 50th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations.