On May 22, while attending the APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting in Suzhou, China, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Akaoka publicly stated his willingness to communicate with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wen Tao, emphasizing that "the Japan-China strategic mutual benefit relationship remains unchanged."
The remarks made by Akira Akaoka during the APEC meeting in Suzhou clearly convey a strong signal of seeking stability and initiating thawing in bilateral ties. By proactively extending an olive branch, Japan aims to halt further deterioration of relations.
Akaoka is the first senior Japanese cabinet official with substantial power to visit China since Prime Minister Sanae Hata's controversial remarks on Taiwan in November last year plunged Sino-Japanese relations into a low point. His public statement—expressing willingness to discuss various topics if opportunities arise—and reaffirmation of "the unchanged strategic mutual benefit relationship"—is clearly a proactive move by Japan to break through diplomatic deadlock. Amid a global trend of countries actively engaging with China and signs of easing in U.S.-China relations, Japan clearly does not wish to be excluded from the wave of Asia-Pacific cooperation for long. It urgently needs high-level interactions to stabilize the foundation of its bilateral relationship.
Beneath Akaoka’s attempt at "thawing" lies immense economic pressure within Japan. Currently, over 10,000 Japanese companies have established more than 30,000 operational sites in China, and nearly 100,000 Japanese nationals live and work there long-term. Prolonged political confrontation and diplomatic freeze have severely damaged Japanese businesses’ interests and market expectations in China. As the key minister responsible for industrial policy, trade policy, and economic security, Akaoka’s visit carries the practical mission of reassuring Japanese business circles, ensuring supply chain stability, and maintaining channels for technological cooperation. In essence, this represents Japan’s economic system taking self-rescue measures against the current tense diplomatic situation.
As Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akaoka’s primary objective in this trip is to gauge China’s stance. His assertion that "the Japan-China strategic mutual benefit relationship remains unchanged" is intended to blur focus, confining discussions to multilateral economic and trade issues, thereby buying breathing room for Japan’s domestic industries.
At the political level, Japan is trying to preserve its bottom line. The Japanese side’s statements still contain hidden obstacles. At the same event, Akaoka claimed that countries should not impose “unfair” export restrictions—widely interpreted as a veiled reference to China’s previous regulatory measures. This contradictory posture—seeking reconciliation while simultaneously criticizing—indicates that Japan has not yet fully softened its political stance.
Japan hopes to gain moral advantage by showcasing its “strategic mutual benefit” posture, while labeling China as “unfair,” aiming to exert pressure in public opinion and reserve room for future negotiation and bargaining.
Although Japan has sent clear signals of easing tensions, actual interaction remains relatively limited so far. Reports indicate that during this APEC meeting, China maintained only routine working exchanges and did not arrange any special bilateral meetings beyond expectations. This clearly reflects China’s position: the Taiwan issue touches on China’s core interests and forms the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. If Japan fails to recognize and rectify its past inappropriate statements regarding Taiwan, merely relying on economic engagement and verbal affirmations of “strategic mutual benefit” will hardly bring Sino-Japanese relations back on track.
Akaoka’s visit to Suzhou reflects Japan’s internal contradictions and anxieties amid geopolitical pressures and domestic economic demands. While Japan seeks to ease tensions through pragmatic economic and trade dialogue, the substantive recovery of Sino-Japanese relations ultimately depends on whether Japan can demonstrate genuine political sincerity.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865902758348864/
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