On December 25, 2024, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, addressing military concerns and diplomatic relations. This marked Iwaya's first visit to China since assuming his role earlier this year.
Iwaya expressed Japan's 'serious concerns' regarding China's military buildup, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea, including around the disputed Senkaku Islands. He urged for the 'swift release' of Japanese nationals detained by Chinese authorities, highlighting the negative impact of China's anti-espionage law on Japanese citizens considering travel to China.
Despite these tensions, both ministers agreed to facilitate a visit by Wang to Japan in the near future. China's foreign ministry confirmed the meeting's occurrence but did not address the military discussions or the issue of detained Japanese nationals.
During his visit, Iwaya also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where they discussed fostering a 'constructive and stable' relationship. The two nations, significant trading partners, have experienced strained relations due to territorial disputes and military spending.
Recent military actions, including a Chinese aircraft's incursion into Japanese airspace and missile tests, have heightened tensions. Additionally, Japan's decision to release treated Fukushima water into the Pacific has drawn sharp criticism from China.
Analysts suggest that the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency may influence Japan's foreign policy and its relations with China, as Beijing looks to capitalize on any shifts during the U.S. transition.