First Japan-China Ministerial Contact Since Takaichi's 'Taiwan Contingency' Remarks
During the APEC trade ministers' meeting, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa held a brief conversation with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao. This marks the first substantive ministerial-level contact since Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a 'Taiwan contingency' last year caused tensions. The meeting is seen as a litmus test for future high-level talks.
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- 📰 Published: May 24, 2026 at 10:13
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The APEC trade ministers' meeting concluded in Suzhou, China, on the 23rd. Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa stated that he had a brief conversation with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao at the welcome dinner on the 22nd. This is the first substantive ministerial-level contact between Japan and China since Sanae Takaichi made remarks regarding a 'Taiwan contingency' last November.
According to Kyodo News, Akazawa did not disclose specific details of the conversation. Akazawa is the second Japanese cabinet member to visit China since Takaichi's remarks. Minister for Children's Policy Hitoshi Kikawada attended another APEC meeting in Shanghai in mid-May but was unable to hold individual talks with the Chinese side.
Last year, Takaichi stated in a parliamentary session that if a 'Taiwan contingency' involved the use of force, it could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' under which Japan could exercise its right to collective self-defense. China strongly protested, taking a series of countermeasures, including urging citizens to avoid travel to Japan and tightening export controls on dual-use materials like rare earths.
Reports indicate that China is this year's APEC chair, with a summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Ministerial-level contact serves as a litmus test for realizing the summit between Takaichi and President Xi Jinping, which the Japanese government hopes to achieve.
According to Kyodo News, Akazawa did not disclose specific details of the conversation. Akazawa is the second Japanese cabinet member to visit China since Takaichi's remarks. Minister for Children's Policy Hitoshi Kikawada attended another APEC meeting in Shanghai in mid-May but was unable to hold individual talks with the Chinese side.
Last year, Takaichi stated in a parliamentary session that if a 'Taiwan contingency' involved the use of force, it could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' under which Japan could exercise its right to collective self-defense. China strongly protested, taking a series of countermeasures, including urging citizens to avoid travel to Japan and tightening export controls on dual-use materials like rare earths.
Reports indicate that China is this year's APEC chair, with a summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Ministerial-level contact serves as a litmus test for realizing the summit between Takaichi and President Xi Jinping, which the Japanese government hopes to achieve.
FAQ
What is the status of Japan-China relations?
Seeking improvement through dialogue after tensions following the Takaichi remarks.