Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is navigating a complex diplomatic relationship with China, sending a carefully calibrated mix of deterrence and openness to dialogue ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November 2026.
The current friction between Tokyo and Beijing traces back to November 7, 2025, during a debate on the legal applications of Japan’s right of collective self-defense at the Lower House Budget Committee. When asked about the circumstances under which a "survival-threatening situation" would legally apply, Takaichi used the Taiwan Strait as an example. China reacted sharply to the remarks, verbally accusing Japan of "neo-militarism" and moving to normalize Chinese Navy activities, particularly aircraft carrier operations, in the waters between the First Island Chain and the Second Island Chain. Additionally, the Chinese Coast Guard began deploying east of Taiwan’s coast.
On the economic front, Beijing applied security provisions to Japanese companies, restricted rare earth exports, and curtailed tourism and other exchanges, significantly impacting economic, local-governmental, and academic ties. Although China demanded that Takaichi retract her November 7 statements, she has refused to do so.
In the days and months following the initial remarks, the Takaichi administration sought to clarify its stance without backing down. During a Budget Committee session on November 11, 2025, Takaichi stated, "Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important not only for Japanese security but also for the stability of the international community as a whole. Japan has consistently held the expectation that issues surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue." She followed up at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on December 3, 2025, asserting, "Our government’s basic position regarding Taiwan hasn’t changed and is as stated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communiqué."
Then, on Japan-China relations broadly. At the Joint Meeting of the Committees of Both Houses on Fundamental National Policies on November 26, 2025, Takaichi said the two sides had "agreed to building constructive and stable Japan-China relations" and that "if there are concerns or challenges between us, they will be resolved through communication, communication between the leaders," adding that "Japan is always constructive and open to dialogue with China." Meanwhile, Diet speakers have repeatedly relied on a standard formula to "closely monitor the situation and respond appropriately, including to the effects of the various measures from China."
As Takaichi prepared for a March 2026 visit to Washington, she told the House of Councillors on February 25, 2026, that "Japan is open to different forms of dialogue with China" while highlighting cooperation with "our allies, the United States and like-minded countries." Following her U.S. trip, she repeated this formula during a March 26, 2026, address to the House of Representatives, mentioning "cooperation with the United States" in the context of China policy.
These diplomatic signals will face a major test at the upcoming APEC summit in China this November, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Takaichi is expected to attend. Asked about the summit during a July 27, 2026, press conference, Takaichi simply said, "I am looking forward to it." While observers believe the likelihood of a formal bilateral meeting is low, contact with Xi as the host will be difficult to avoid.
Signs of a potential shift in relations have emerged elsewhere. Following remarks by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in late June 2026 that appeared to green-light private exchanges, a succession of Japanese business associations and parliamentary groups scheduled visits to China for this fall. Whether these moves can truly normalize Japan-China relations remains uncertain, but the political and economic mood in Tokyo is visibly shifting.
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.