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China to send former science and technology minister Wan Gang to state funeral for Shinzo Abe
- Despite US sending its vice-president, Beijing will send vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference: Japanese government spokesman
- Relations between the two countries have become increasingly difficult as tensions rise over Taiwan
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China will send a former science and technology minister to the state funeral for former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe next week, Japan’s top government spokesman said on Thursday.
The selection of Wan Gang comes amid difficult ties between the Asian neighbours, and contrasts with the US sending Vice-President Kamala Harris. Beijing sent Vice-President Wang Qishan to the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in London this week.
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State funeral for former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe faces growing public backlash
State funeral for former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe faces growing public backlash
Wan is vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a political advisory body, and is not a member of the Communist Party. Instead, he heads one of the eight minor political organisations China allows to coexist alongside the ruling party.
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Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Beijing had notified Tokyo about Wan’s visit.
When asked during a regular press briefing on Thursday who China would send to Abe’s funeral on September 27, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said only that the announcement would be made in due course.
Japan has long sought to balance ties with China, its biggest trading partner, and with the US, its only formal military ally. That task is becoming increasingly difficult as tensions rise over Taiwan.
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