China, Japan clash over ASEAN encounter
China and Japan presented conflicting accounts regarding interactions between their foreign ministers during the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi claimed he spoke briefly with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while China denied any such exchange occurred. This disagreement reflects a broader rift exacerbated by recent remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan, which have strained bilateral relations.