China Hints at Possible Meeting Between Xi and Japan’s New PM Takaichi

Post by : Saif

China has hinted at a potential meeting between President Xi Jinping and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. The hint came from China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a call with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi.

Wang emphasized that “high-level exchanges are very important to China-Japan relations,” suggesting that both countries may explore talks on neutral ground. He also said China has noticed “several positive signals coming out of Japan’s new cabinet,” though he did not provide further details.

The possible meeting comes as Takaichi, who is known for her hawkish stance toward China, seeks to strengthen Japan’s international ties. Earlier this week, she met with U.S. President Donald Trump, where she pledged to accelerate Japan’s military buildup and signed agreements on trade and rare earth minerals. Analysts say China will watch these developments closely, as closer Japan-U.S. cooperation could shift the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.

China has consistently opposed actions that it views as harmful to its regional interests, such as the stationing of U.S. troops in Japan, which Beijing sees as a deterrent against Chinese influence in Taiwan. Takaichi’s policies and military commitments make Beijing cautious about Japan’s direction under her leadership.

Takaichi also regularly visits the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a site that honors Japan’s war dead, including soldiers and officials convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal. This tradition has often caused tension between Japan and China.

At last year’s APEC summit in Lima, President Xi met with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Analysts say a Xi-Takaichi meeting would be an important signal for China-Japan relations, especially in balancing economic cooperation and security concerns.

The APEC summit offers a rare opportunity for face-to-face talks between the two leaders. Observers will be watching closely for any agreements or statements that could affect trade, regional security, and the future of China-Japan relations.

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