China treated former Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi (岩屋毅) as a high-ranking figure, while a delegation of Japanese companies met with Wang Yi (王毅) and others in Beijing. China is said to have demanded that Japan correct its statements concerning Taiwan, drawing attention to who benefits from such preferential treatment.
At the end of September 2026, former Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi (岩屋毅), who led a delegation of around 50 Japanese corporate executives and others to China, held high-level talks with the Chinese side and met with Wang Yi (王毅) in Beijing. According to a Hong Kong newspaper report, the Chinese side viewed this response as the highest-level contact in connection with the Japanese delegation's visit.
Meanwhile, in connection with an analysis by a US think tank, China showed an attitude of urging Japan to correct statements by its leaders, and it was pointed out that Japan and China should return to the starting point of their relationship. The analysis described moves to approach Japanese politicians as part of a strategy to isolate them.
In media reports, Iwaya Takeshi (岩屋毅) was also discussed in the context of China's strategy toward Japan, raising the question of whose policy China wants to change. A 29 September report by SCMP and an analysis by an international organisation positioned Iwaya Takeshi (岩屋毅)'s actions as part of an isolation campaign.
Attention is focused on who stands to benefit from this preferential treatment, as well as future developments and Japan's domestic response.