Japanese delegation embarks on visit to China, aiming to maintain Sino-Japanese relations

¬ Japan has not commented on Trump's statement regarding arms sales to Taiwan

¬ Iran conflict causes ink shortage, prompting Japanese snack giant to switch to black-and-white packaging

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According to Kyodo News, a delegation from the Japan-China Economic Association began a five-day visit to China on the 11th. Comprising around 30 personnel from manufacturers and trading companies, the group will visit frontline sites in Shanghai and Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, to observe robotics research and applications. Kyodo News cited the association as saying that in light of deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations which have hindered economic exchanges, the Japan-China Economic Association aims to maintain ties through increased small-scale delegations.

It was reported that the original plan for delegations from the Japan-China Economic Association, the Japan Business Federation (Nikkei), and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to visit China this January had been postponed due to remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Hara in the Diet concerning Taiwan, which worsened bilateral relations.

It is expected that the Japan-China Economic Association plans to dispatch a delegation of up to about 30 people to high-tech development hubs such as Hefei, Anhui Province, as early as July.

Earlier reports indicated that since Prime Minister Sanae Hara took office, one of the four top leaders of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Kōtaro Nishimura, has made his first visit to China. Additionally, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Akaishi may visit China by late May to attend the APEC ministerial meeting.

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Japanese authorities declined to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about intending to discuss arms supplies to Taiwan with Chinese leadership, merely emphasizing the importance of peacefully resolving the Taiwan issue.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fumitoshi Sato said at a press conference: "Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are crucial for the entire international community, and we consistently uphold the stance of resolving the Taiwan issue through dialogue."

At the same time, he refrained from commenting on President Donald Trump’s statement that he would discuss further arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Sato emphasized: "We have noted the U.S. statement. The Japanese government will not comment on its content."

Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing from May 14 to 15. His original visit planned from March 31 to April 2 was postponed due to developments in Iran.

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According to NHK television, Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee has switched multiple flagship products to black-and-white packaging due to an inability to secure supply of colored printing ink.

Calbee stated that this adjustment stems from disruptions in raw material supply—including packaging ink—caused by the Middle East situation, leading to a shift toward simpler designs. As for the timeline of implementing black-and-white packaging, the company has not yet set a clear schedule.

It is reported that Calbee sent notifications to retailers and wholesalers on May 8, indicating that the change will affect 14 core products, with the first batch scheduled for shipment on May 25. Consumers could see black-and-white packaged Calbee potato chips, shrimp sticks, and grain cereals on supermarket shelves as early as late May.

The company told its business partners: "If circumstances change in the future, new impacts may arise, and additional measures might be required, requesting cooperation from all parties."

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched multiple strikes against targets inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East. This led to a sharp decline in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—the critical channel through which Gulf nations export oil and liquefied natural gas to global markets—causing a shortage of naphtha, a key chemical raw material, which in turn affected solvent and resin supplies—essential ingredients in printing ink production.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864954491480064/

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