China and Japan: A Potential Meeting on the Horizon

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently engaged in a significant conversation with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi. During their discussion, Wang Yi underscored the importance of high-level exchanges between the two nations, sparking speculation about a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.

APEC Summit: A Neutral Ground for Diplomatic Discussions

Both leaders are scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea this week. This event could serve as a neutral setting for a meeting between Xi and Takaichi. Notably, Takaichi is known for her strong stance towards China, adding an intriguing dimension to this potential encounter.

Takaichi's Meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump

Prior to the APEC summit, Takaichi met with U.S. President Donald Trump. During their meeting, Trump expressed support for Takaichi's plans to boost Japan's military capabilities. They also signed several trade and rare earth deals, signaling a closer relationship between the U.S. and Japan. This development is being closely monitored by China.

Positive Signals from Japan's New Cabinet

Despite existing tensions, Wang Yi noted that China has observed some positive signals from Japan's new cabinet. He emphasized the significance of these high-level exchanges for the future of China-Japan relations. However, he did not provide specific details about these positive signals.

Previous Meetings and China's Concerns

China has previously announced that Xi Jinping will meet with several heads of state at the APEC summit. However, they only specified that one of these meetings will be with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The last time Xi met with a Japanese prime minister was in November 2024, with then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

China has long been opposed to the close ties between the U.S. and Japan, particularly concerned about the presence of American troops in Japan, which they view as a threat to their regional interests. Additionally, Takaichi's visits to the Yasukuni shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including those accused of war crimes in China, have been a point of contention.

Conclusion: The Future of China-Japan Relations

While there is speculation about a potential meeting between Xi and Takaichi, the outcome remains uncertain. The discussions between these leaders could have significant implications for the future of China-Japan relations.