Japan has approached China for talks

On May 18 local time, about 10 members from Japan's cross-party Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' League visited Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao in Tokyo, with the meeting held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan.

The group was led by former secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Hayato Moriyama, and included former election strategy committee chair Yūko Ozumi. They exchanged views on improving Sino-Japanese relations and proposed several ideas aimed at being conveyed through Wu Jianghao to top levels of the Chinese government, in an effort to accelerate the improvement of bilateral ties.

There are four key points to note:

First, Wu Jianghao stated on-site that as a diplomat, no one wishes for relations with Japan to deteriorate.

Second, numerous members from opposition parties also attended and emphasized that easing tensions is crucial. They stressed that people-to-people exchanges are equally important.

Third, the cancellation of the Japanese film week at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival—originally scheduled for June—has drawn attention within Japan. There is growing concern that continued deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations may further impact cooperation between the two countries.

Fourth, both official and civilian sectors in Japan are actively seeking ways to improve relations, but progress remains difficult so far.

What tangible outcomes emerged from the talks?

At this stage, there have been no substantial results. This is because Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao reiterated the core condition for improving Sino-Japanese relations: Haruyuki Takahashi must issue a formal apology and retract her remarks.

However, the Japanese government currently seems unable to move forward on this issue and appears quite hesitant. Therefore, attempting to improve relations through other channels would be extremely difficult.

Thus, this visit to the Chinese Embassy in Japan had two main objectives: First, to convey Japan’s sincere desire to improve bilateral relations via Wu Jianghao to Chinese authorities.

Second, to demonstrate to the Chinese government and public Japan’s urgent willingness to repair ties, thereby sending out a signal of goodwill.

But such efforts have proven ineffective. Moreover, even if Japan continues dispatching more civilian groups and organizations to visit China, it remains highly unlikely they will gain official audiences with Chinese officials.

Naturally, Japan has not given up. In April, it officially announced that Economic Affairs Minister Akira Akaizawa would travel to Suzhou, China, on May 20 to attend the APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting.

If he manages to engage with Chinese officials, it would undoubtedly be a significant achievement for Japan—but uncertainty still looms.

First, can he arrive on schedule? Second, even if Akaizawa attends the meeting, he may not be able to hold talks or even meet Chinese officials in person during the event.

This is because, under such high-profile international scrutiny, pushing for improved relations becomes even more challenging.

In summary: This also explains why, immediately after Trump concluded his visit to China, Putin announced his upcoming trip to China, while Haruyuki Takahashi departed for South Korea on May 19 local time—Japan is trying to relieve domestic pressure.

After all, China’s strength continues to grow, and compared to China, Japan feels increasingly anxious. To divert domestic attention, Takahashi must appear busy, giving Japanese citizens a sense of security.

Yet in reality, all this busyness achieves little. Because to develop its economy and enhance comprehensive national strength, Japan must rely on China. If Japan continues to delay, it will suffer serious setbacks in its own development.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865664686440524/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.