Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi To Visit China From November 16 To 19

A diplomatic test for Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, as she is set to visit China next week for the first time since taking office. And a visit comes at a time when relations between Tokyo and Beijing are strained over Taiwan, trade restrictions and regional security as well. Takaichi will attend the APEC summit in Shenzhen after first travelling to the Philippines for ASEAN-related meetings. But the big question is whether this visit can open the door to a reset with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Takaichi is scheduled to travel to the Philippines and China from November 16th to 19th. Her China visit will be her first since taking office in October last year. At the APEC summit in Shenzhen, Takaichi is expected to discuss trade, investment, regional economic integration, energy resilience and the digital economy. But the political backdrop is quite complicated. Relations between the two Asian powers deteriorated sharply after Takaichi suggested last November that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing, which claims the self-governed island as its territory, reacted very furiously. China warned its citizens against travelling to Japan and imposed trade restrictions. Japanese companies have also reportedly faced a sharp drop in supplies of critical rare earth minerals. Takaichi has since described China as an important neighbour and expressed a desire for stable relations, while insisting Japan will firmly defend its own positions. Whether that message reaches Xi Jinping directly remains uncertain as of now. When asked about a possible meeting with President Xi Jinping, Chinese foreign minister said that China stands ready to work with all parties to ensure the complete success of the APEC China year. As the host of APEC 2026, China is actively fulfilling its host responsibilities. China stands ready to work with all parties to ensure the complete success of the APEC China year. On China-Japan relations, China has made its position clear on multiple occasions. Before heading to Shenzhen, Takaichi will attend ASEAN-related meetings in Manila. Japan says a Quad meeting involving Australia, India, Japan and the US is also being arranged on the sidelines. Tokyo has reportedly also sought a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Relations with Moscow are strained following the arrest of a Japanese journalist on spying allegations. And the seizure of assets belonging to Japan in Russia. Now, this trip for Takaichi is certainly an opportunity to manage difficult relationships with the two major powers, while signaling Japan's place in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.