Japan and China to continue delicate diplomatic dance in 2025

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Nov. 15 during their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. | CABINET PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

by JESSE JOHNSON
December 26, 2024

Expect a continued diplomatic dance between Japan and China next year, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, as the two Asian powerhouses look to navigate both growing challenges to the bilateral relationship and Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during their first meeting in November that the two countries are at a “critical moment” in improving ties. Ishiba, meanwhile, called the relationship one “of great importance to the international community,” adding that he hoped to craft a relationship with Xi that allows for “frank and ongoing” dialogue.

But while Tokyo and Beijing have in recent months touted their commitment to promoting building “constructive and stable" ties — with an announcement Wednesday that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Japan next year — a number of issues will make continued hedging by both sides a strong likelihood, according to experts.