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China-Japan relations

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China-Japan relations
Breaking news and analysis on China-Japan relations, covering trade, investment, the legacy of war in Asia, military tensions and the impact of wider issues such as the US-China trade war and South China Sea.
Open Questions series

Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Liu Qian on Chinese innovation, the US rivalry and women holding up half the sky

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Fuchsia Dunlop tells how she fell for China’s cuisine and names her perfect dish

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

80 years on from WWII, China’s interests lie in peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

‘Delusional’: Jeffrey Sachs on why Western hegemony has ended

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Illustration: Henry Wong

Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

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15
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Liu Qian on Chinese innovation, the US rivalry and women holding up half the sky

7
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Fuchsia Dunlop tells how she fell for China’s cuisine and names her perfect dish

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5
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

80 years on from WWII, China’s interests lie in peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter

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18
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

‘Delusional’: Jeffrey Sachs on why Western hegemony has ended

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Illustration: Henry Wong
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
Blocks with symbols and atomic numbers of rare earth elements in this illustration taken on February 6. Photo: Reuters
China exports

China cuts some hi-tech metals sent to Japan – but magnet exports rise. Why?

Exports of gallium and germanium have slowed, yet rare earth magnet shipments have increased amid strained ties.

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Japan

Trump’s biggest cheerleader? Why Japan’s Takaichi is making waves in China

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China trade

Premier Li Qiang calls for global pledge to open up amid ‘power politics’

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Japan

Trump to praise Japan in China, Xi summit delayed, PLA-Nato talks

This week: Trump praises Japan during Takaichi visit after delaying Xi summit, US-China trade talks conclude in Paris, China economy surpasses expectations. Next week: PLA delegation travels to Brussels, Hong Kong may issue first stablecoin licences, Art Basel opens in the city, and more.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP

China and Japan’s complicated ties in a turbulent 2026

China and Japan’s long-standing rivalry has deep historic roots, and relations between the two have taken a significant turn for the worse in recent months. This series dives into the complicated ties of the two Asian powers in a turbulent 2026.

2026 Trump-Xi summit

Open Questions | US ex-diplomat’s inside view on Trump-Xi summits

Former envoy in Beijing William Klein on US leader’s approach to foreign policy, tariffs, China weaponising rare earths and risks of Taiwan conflict.

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Japan

‘Uncompromising’: Takaichi’s meeting with Trump seen as key to China-Japan ties

Neither Tokyo nor Beijing has enough incentive to compromise, observers say, signalling a new reality between Asian giants.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, pictured soon after being re-elected in February, has sought to cultivate a close relationship with US President Donald Trump amid Japan-China tension. Photo: Kyodo via Reuters
Japan

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

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China’s soft power

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

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Taiwan

Why Japan’s Type-12 missile deployment may complicate China’s regional strategy

Analysts say it could be interpreted as crossing a ‘strategic threshold’ and reinforce Beijing’s suspicions about Tokyo’s Taiwan intentions.

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Japan’s upgraded Type-12 missile has a range of about 1,000km. Photo: AP
Taiwan

Swing and a miss? Taiwan’s premier under fire over baseball trip to Tokyo

Beijing has lashed out over Cho Jung-tai’s one-day visit to Japan, which was described as a ‘private itinerary’ to support the island’s team.

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Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai says his trip to Tokyo for the World Baseball Classic on March 7 was paid for out of his own pocket and had “no other purpose”. Photo: Facebook/Cho Jung-tai
China trade

Japan taps oil reserves as Iran war spreads. Could it give China leverage?

With Tokyo and Beijing still at loggerheads over Taiwan, analysts warn Japan’s decision exposes its economic vulnerability.

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China's military weapons

Open Questions | War on Iran may spark nuclear arms race, Carnegie scholar says

Zhao Tong says return to law of the jungle signalled by current US actions could spur countries without nuclear weapons to start acquiring them.

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US-China relations

Mainland Chinese see Taiwan positively, won’t retreat from US trade war: survey

China Pulse polling study gives rare window into views of ordinary people on mainland, where opinions are often restricted or even banned.

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Tourists strike a pose next to a giant Ultraman inflatable displayed at Kaohsiung Wonderland during the Lunar New Year holidays in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in February. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2026

China’s Wang sees ‘landmark year’ in US relations

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the US and China could shorten their ‘list of problems’, while also promoting Beijing as a source of global stability amid the war in Iran.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2026

Wang Yi warns Japan on Taiwan ‘red line’, dashing hopes of ending diplomatic row

Invoking the legacy of WWII resistance, top diplomat cautions Tokyo against interfering in China’s affairs.

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Two Sessions 2026

Takeaways from Foreign Minister Wang Yi at China’s ‘two sessions’

Top diplomat addresses questions on US ties, the Iran crisis, South China Sea disputes and Beijing’s vision for a multipolar world order.

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Japan

Japan weighs military upgrade on Iwo Jima as China deepens Pacific activity

Tokyo is reportedly planning to enhance facilities and station aircraft on the island, and establish a Pacific defence initiative office.

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The island of Iwo Jima, with Mount Suribachi in the foreground, is seen from a Japanese Air Self-Defence Force transport plane. Photo: Reuters
US-Japan relations

Opinion | Japan’s rightward shift puts it on a collision course with China

Any attempt by the Takaichi administration to revise the constitution and re-arm the country will ignite fierce opposition from Beijing.

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China travel

Chinese tourism to Japan plunges 50% over Lunar New Year as Thailand cashes in

Thailand was the top destination for China’s outbound travellers over the extended holiday, with tourists avoiding Japan amid rising tensions.

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China travel

‘Chinese everywhere’: why tourists ditch Tokyo for Seoul as Japan ties sour

Diplomatic row with Japan sent more Chinese travellers packing for Korea, filling its hotels over the nine-day holiday and offering relief to a sluggish domestic economy.

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Visitors wear traditional Korean attire in Seoul on February 17. South Korea saw a sharp influx of Chinese tourists over the Lunar New Year holiday period that ended on Monday. Photo: EPA
Japan

China adds Japanese entities to export control list, turning up heat on Tokyo

Beijing has also added 20 Japanese firms and institutions to a watch list for the export of goods with potential military applications.

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China has added 20 Japanese entities to an export control list amid heightened tensions with Tokyo. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

What next for China ties as Japan’s Takaichi targets Chinese ‘coercion’?

Japan facing ‘most severe and complex’ security scenario since World War II, prime minister says.

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Hong Kong society

Attack on Hong Kong man in Sapporo caused by ‘dining etiquette’ dispute

Incident has already prompted Chinese consulate to warn nationals against travel to Japan, amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

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Japan

Takaichi vows to make Japan ‘strong’, says no to ‘reckless’ fiscal policy

The prime minister said Tokyo was facing ‘the most severe and complex security environment’ since World War II, citing China and Russia.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gives her policy speech during the special Diet session in Tokyo on Friday. Photo: AP
Hong Kong politics

Protect Hongkongers in Japan, authorities urge Tokyo after tourist attacked

Concerns over attack on resident in Sapporo amid tense relations between China and Japan over Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan comments.

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Travellers cross the road in Sapporo. Photo: Kyodo
Taiwan

Tokyo involvement in Taiwan would amount to aggression against Beijing: UN envoy

Fu Cong, permanent representative to the United Nations, warns of a resolute retaliation if Japan intervenes militarily on the issue.

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Hong Kong society

Japan travel warning after Hongkonger beaten with beer bottle in Sapporo

Visitor beaten on head at a restaurant in the Japanese city, Chinese consulate says.

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