Japan works to shield Takaichi from any Xi snub at China summit

· Politics · Japan · China

Japan is working to ensure Xi Jinping does not snub Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi when they meet at a major leaders' summit in China this month, Bloomberg reported, in what would be their first encounter since a furor over Taiwan derailed ties. Relations between Japan and China have over the past year hit one of their lowest ebbs since the countries normalized ties in 1972. Tokyo's diplomatic effort underscores how a single leader-level meeting can shape the tone of the relationship, and how unresolved disputes continue to weigh on trade and security cooperation between Asia's two largest economies.

Why it matters：A Xi-Takaichi meeting could either steady or further chill Asia's most important bilateral relationship, with consequences for trade and regional security.

Key points

  • The meeting would be their first since a furor over Taiwan strained ties.
  • Japan-China relations are at one of their lowest points since 1972.
  • Tokyo is actively working to prevent a snub at the summit.

Sources (original reporting)

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