Xi sends message to Kishida wishing recovery from COVID-19

Aug 22 (NHK) - Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio wishing for his recovery from COVID-19. Kishida tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported that in the telegram sent on Monday, Xi expresses his sincere sympathies to Kishida and wishes him a speedy recovery.

Xi also notes that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between their countries. He says that together with Kishida, he wants to promote the building of bilateral ties that meet the needs of the new era.

The countries' relations have deteriorated as China steps up its maritime activities, and amid the tense situation over Taiwan.

The secretary general of Japan's National Security Secretariat, Akiba Takeo, and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Yang Jiechi held talks last week. They reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, as next month will mark the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations.

Xi also sent a telegram after US President Joe Biden tested positive for the coronavirus in July.

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