First Visit to Beijing After 'Taiwan Emergency' Remark: Japan's Trade Promotion Association Plans June Visit

According to multiple sources, a delegation from the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade, chaired by former House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono, plans to visit Beijing, China, from June 21st to 24th, and coordination is currently underway. The delegation has proposed meeting with China's leadership.

This visit will be the first by a Japanese economic group following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's response in the Diet regarding 'Taiwan emergency.' The visit is scheduled to coincide with the 'China International Supply Chain Expo' to be held in Beijing from June 22nd to 26th.

Analysis suggests that this visit is expected to reaffirm the importance of Japan-China economic cooperation and also call for improvements on issues such as China's export controls towards Japan. There is a possibility of China softening its stance towards Japan, with the economic sector serving as a communication window to seek breakthroughs in improving bilateral relations.

The Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade serves as a channel for trade and economic exchange with China. It organizes delegation visits to China annually and meets with China's top leadership. The previous visit to China was in June of last year, during which the delegation held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Against the backdrop of escalating US-China trade friction, Li Qiang at that time expressed a desire to strengthen economic cooperation with Japan and stated that China 'valued' Japan's request for panda leases.

Deteriorating Japan-China relations have affected economic exchange. Delegations from the Japan-China Economic Association, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry had originally planned to visit Beijing in January of this year but have postponed. However, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives plans a small-scale visit to China in May, and the Japan-China Economic Association also plans business inspections in Shanghai and other areas in May, indicating a trend towards resuming exchanges. (Editor: Zhu Jianling) 1150421