Japan and China Trade Ministers Briefly Meet Amid Rising Tensions

Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said that no formal bilateral talks took place with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, though the two briefly exchanged words before a dinner, the Japan Times reported.

Akazawa said he could not disclose details due to the diplomatic nature of the exchange with Wang. (Photo: 赤沢りょうせい X)

Akazawa made the remarks after attending Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meetings in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou. He is the most senior Japanese official to visit China since a diplomatic dispute escalated between the two countries in November.

“Before the dinner began on Friday, I approached Minister Wang and had a brief conversation,” Akazawa said, adding that he could not disclose details due to the diplomatic nature of the exchange.

Tensions between the two countries have increased following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that a hypothetical conflict over Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.

Since then, Beijing has imposed various retaliatory measures, including travel advisories and trade-related restrictions.