Japan trade minister holds brief talks with Chinese counterpart amid diplomatic row

Japan's Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa reported a brief conversation with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meetings in Suzhou. Akazawa clarified that the exchange, which took place before a dinner on Friday, did not constitute formal bilateral talks, and he declined to disclose specific details, characterizing it as a diplomatic conversation.

This brief interaction marks the most senior level of engagement between Japanese and Chinese officials since a diplomatic row began in November. The dispute was triggered when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a response from Tokyo. In retaliation, Beijing implemented several measures, including advising its citizens against traveling to Japan and restricting shipments of rare earth minerals crucial for manufacturing electric cars and weapons.

During the APEC ministerial meeting, Akazawa urged exporting nations to address arbitrary rare earth export controls, although he did not name any specific country. China's recent four-month cut-off of several heavy rare earths and other materials to Japan coincides with their bilateral dispute, indicating Beijing's use of its control over critical minerals as diplomatic leverage.

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Before the dinner began on Friday, I approached Minister Wang and had a brief conversation.