Japanese Minister Attends APEC Meeting in Shanghai, First Since 'Taiwan Emergency' Remarks
Japan's Minister for Children's Policies, Hitoshi Kikawada, attended an APEC ministerial meeting in Shanghai, marking the first visit by a Japanese minister to China since PM Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a 'Taiwan emergency' strained bilateral ties.
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- 📰 Published: May 15, 2026 at 23:47
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(Central News Agency, Reporter Liao Wen-chi, Shanghai, 15th) Japan's Minister of State for Children's Policies, Hitoshi Kikawada, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting held in Shanghai today. This marks the first visit to China by a Japanese cabinet member since the deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, but he did not hold individual talks with officials from other participating countries and only attended the first day of the meeting.
According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, Hitoshi Kikawada attended the APEC ministerial meeting 'Women and the Economy Forum' held in Shanghai today. This is the first time a Japanese minister has visited China since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks about a 'Taiwan emergency' in November last year.
This is the first ministerial meeting of the APEC 'China Year', co-hosted by the All-China Women's Federation and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. According to the WeChat public account 'Shanghai Fabu', Chinese State Councilor and President of the All-China Women's Federation Shen Yiqin attended the meeting and delivered the opening speech; Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng gave a welcome address.
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that Hitoshi Kikawada delivered a speech at the meeting, stating that since October last year, the landscape of women's active participation in Japanese society has undergone a massive transformation. Today, Japan is moving toward the goal of achieving a 'robust economy' under the leadership of a female prime minister.
He also stated that to further accelerate technological development, an environment must be created where female researchers and technical talents can maximize their capabilities. The Japanese government will promote effective measures to expand women's participation in the tech sector.
According to reports, Hitoshi Kikawada told the Japanese media before the meeting that no sideline talks were scheduled with ministers from participating countries, including China.
The meeting is scheduled for the 15th to the 16th, and Hitoshi Kikawada only attended the morning session on the 15th.
When answering interpellations in the House of Representatives in November last year, Sanae Takaichi stated that if a 'Taiwan emergency' (an emergency situation in Taiwan) is accompanied by the other party's use of force, it could constitute a 'survival crisis situation' where Japan can exercise its right to collective self-defense. Beijing authorities believed this implied a potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, lodged a strong protest, and demanded the withdrawal of the remarks, causing Sino-Japanese relations to deteriorate. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ru) 1150515
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According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, Hitoshi Kikawada attended the APEC ministerial meeting 'Women and the Economy Forum' held in Shanghai today. This is the first time a Japanese minister has visited China since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks about a 'Taiwan emergency' in November last year.
This is the first ministerial meeting of the APEC 'China Year', co-hosted by the All-China Women's Federation and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. According to the WeChat public account 'Shanghai Fabu', Chinese State Councilor and President of the All-China Women's Federation Shen Yiqin attended the meeting and delivered the opening speech; Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng gave a welcome address.
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that Hitoshi Kikawada delivered a speech at the meeting, stating that since October last year, the landscape of women's active participation in Japanese society has undergone a massive transformation. Today, Japan is moving toward the goal of achieving a 'robust economy' under the leadership of a female prime minister.
He also stated that to further accelerate technological development, an environment must be created where female researchers and technical talents can maximize their capabilities. The Japanese government will promote effective measures to expand women's participation in the tech sector.
According to reports, Hitoshi Kikawada told the Japanese media before the meeting that no sideline talks were scheduled with ministers from participating countries, including China.
The meeting is scheduled for the 15th to the 16th, and Hitoshi Kikawada only attended the morning session on the 15th.
When answering interpellations in the House of Representatives in November last year, Sanae Takaichi stated that if a 'Taiwan emergency' (an emergency situation in Taiwan) is accompanied by the other party's use of force, it could constitute a 'survival crisis situation' where Japan can exercise its right to collective self-defense. Beijing authorities believed this implied a potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, lodged a strong protest, and demanded the withdrawal of the remarks, causing Sino-Japanese relations to deteriorate. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ru) 1150515
Choose to stand with the facts; every sponsorship from you is the strength to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First Hand News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.