China's Wang Yi Skips ASEAN+3 Meeting, Avoids Japanese FM Amid Taiwan Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's absence from the ASEAN+3 meeting in Manila, while Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi attended, has fueled speculation about strained Sino-Japanese relations. Japanese media, including Kyodo News, reported that the diplomatic dialogue between the two governments has been largely stalled since remarks made by Sanae Takaichi, a Japanese politician, regarding a "Taiwan emergency" last year.

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Taiwan emergency

Motegi used the ASEAN+3 meeting to discuss Japan's contributions to regional energy security and efforts to combat cyber fraud. Meanwhile, Wang Yi was represented by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying. This diplomatic absence comes despite Wang Yi's participation in a separate meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting the previous day.

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The dialogue between the Japanese and Chinese governments has almost completely stalled since Sanae Takaichi made remarks concerning Taiwan in the Diet.

Blinken expressed "concern" over the deteriorating Japan-China relationship following his meeting with Wang Yi. Motegi, in his opening remarks at the ASEAN+3 gathering, emphasized the growing importance of the bloc, which includes Japan, South Korea, and China, along with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in maintaining regional and global peace and stability. The ASEAN+3 cooperation framework was established in 1997 during the Asian financial crisis to focus on practical collaboration.

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Concerned about the worsening Japan-China relationship.