Change in frigid Japan-China relations? Could slowing Chinese economic growth also be a factor? “They are losing confidence in the future”: How should the Takaichi administration deal with China now? An expert explains (ABEMA TIMES)

Japan-China relations rapidly deteriorated after remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae (高市早苗) last year concerning a Taiwan contingency, but dialogue between the two countries resumed this year. ABEMA Prime discussed the future direction of Japan-China relations. China had demanded that the remarks be withdrawn and continued countermeasures including calls for people to refrain from traveling to Japan and a suspension of seafood imports.

Former Foreign Minister Iwaya Taku (岩屋毅) visited China and was reported to have held talks with Vice Premier He Lifeng (何立峰) and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅). China was reported to have shown a positive stance toward economic exchanges, while Chinese officials repeatedly called for Japan's remarks on the Taiwan issue to be corrected. Experts analyze developments in Japan-China relations against the backdrop of China's economic conditions.

Seguchi Kiyゆき (瀬口清之) pointed out that China's economy is likely to remain on a downward trend until around 2030 and that the Chinese public has lost confidence in the future. He expressed the view that Japanese companies will play an important role in supplying semiconductor- and AI-related products, leading to continued increases in Japanese corporate sales and tight supply and demand. High-tech industries in Japan and China are said to have become key pillars supporting the economy.

Ke Long (柯隆) also pointed to the need to build support around the Takaichi administration while advancing exchanges with it. He expressed the view that China may be restarting exchanges with the business and academic communities while preparing for future administrations. Developments at APEC are expected to attract attention as a potential turning point in Japan-China relations.