Prime Minister Naoto Kan alluded to the spat with China over the disputed Senkaku Islands in a speech on the opening day of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels.
While he refrained from criticizing Beijing directly, his remarks Monday were an indirect message for Beijing to end its retaliatory steps in the row over the East China Sea islets, such as restricting exports of rare earth minerals. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was in attendance at the meeting.
"To deepen mutually dependent relations between Asia and Europe and achieve growth, it is important for us to mutually abide by common rules in international society including transactions of raw materials and trade," Kan said.
"Needless to say, it is indispensable for countries and regions concerned to develop relations of trust and build the foundation for peace and stability, while taking responsible actions," he said.