Osaka-led industry group eyes China mission as corporate Japan navigates trade tensions
Delegation from prominent Japanese organisation seeks October talks in Beijing and Xian to repair business partnerships after geopolitical disputes snarled exchanges
A Japanese business organisation with 1,300 members is planning to send a delegation to China for meetings that could bolster economic relations between the Asian economic powerhouses following a diplomatic dispute in November.
The Osaka-based Kansai Economic Federation intends to send its delegation to Beijing and Xian, Shaanxi province, from October 18-23, the group said in a statement to the South China Morning Post on Wednesday. It said the delegation expected to meet with Chinese government officials and other organisations.
Federation planners were awaiting confirmation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a semi-governmental agency in Beijing, according to the statement.
Masayoshi Matsumoto, the federation chairman, and Shingo Torii, chairman of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will lead the delegation. A 2024 entourage sent to China had about 80 members, and this year’s total is still being determined.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.