Japan and China Test Dialogue as Takaichi Calls China an Important Neighbour

What changed

Japan and China may be testing whether their relationship can be repaired after nearly a year of tensions linked to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan.

Experts see an exploratory phase between Tokyo and Beijing, but no concrete agreement or policy reversal has been confirmed.

Why it matters

The shift is modest but meaningful. Japan and China appear to be checking whether dialogue is possible without first resolving the Taiwan dispute that drove the relationship lower.

That leaves Takaichi’s government balancing two tracks: keeping its position on Taiwan while finding enough common ground with Beijing to prevent tensions from hardening further.

The outlook is uncertain. Any repair effort could remain limited, because significant hurdles still stand in the way, and its timing, scope and durability are not yet clear.