Changes in the Japan-China trade structure have become a topic of discussion on Chinese social media, prompting growing claims that Japan's dependence on China is increasing. From Japan's perspective, however, some views express a sense of crisis. Attention is focused on future developments.
On Chinese social media, a blog pointed to changes in the share of Japan-China trade from Japan's perspective. In 2000, trade with China accounted for approximately 10% of Japan's total trade, but that figure is now said to have reached approximately 20%. This has prompted the view that China is becoming increasingly prominent as Japan's largest trading partner.
From China's perspective, meanwhile, trade with Japan is said to have fallen from approximately 17.5% of China's total trade to approximately 5% today, while ASEAN's share has also declined. One commentary introduced the argument that these figures alone indicate that Japan's current situation is critical.
Comments from Chinese internet users included a range of views, including references to remarks by a Japanese parliamentary delegation visiting China, criticism of Japan's overconfidence despite its emphasis on China, and claims that domestic substitution with locally produced goods is advancing. Some also called for Japanese companies to continue investing in the Chinese market despite worsening Japan-China relations.