On July 26th, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in Laos during an A.S.E.A.N. foreign ministers’ gathering. The discussion focused on several contentious issues, including the detention of Japanese nationals in China, restrictions on food imports, and limitations on semiconductor exports. This meeting represented a critical attempt to stabilize a relationship strained by territorial disputes, trade tensions, and Beijing’s discontent over Tokyo’s decision to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

In a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang Yi emphasized that “China-Japan relations are currently at a critical point: advance or be left behind.” He urged Japan to adopt a “positive and rational policy” towards China, underscoring the importance of stability and continuity in bilateral relations. Wang’s call for a “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests” suggests a desire for deeper cooperation. However, Sachio Nakato, a professor at Ritsumeikan University in Japan, expressed skepticism about the genuine motivation behind these efforts to improve ties. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda also noted that much of the friction between Japan and China is tied to broader U.S.-China trade tensions. These tensions raise significant questions about the global trade landscape and China’s evolving role.

The dialogue between China and Japan highlights a persistent challenge: while communication is essential, it alone cannot resolve the complex issues at play. Both countries must build trust and economic cooperation, address historical grievances, and engage in broader regional and global partnerships. The growing antagonism between the United States and China further complicates this dynamic. The escalating competition for dominance between these two superpowers has significant implications for international relations, particularly concerning regional stability in East Asia.

The historical context of China-Japan relations reveals a dramatic shift in the balance of power. In 2006, Japan’s G.D.P. was larger than China’s, and the military balance favoured Japan and the United States. However, by 2010, China had overtaken Japan as the world’s second-largest economy, coinciding with a downturn in U.S.-China relations. The recent detention of Hiroshi Nishiyama, a senior executive from Astellas Pharma, on espionage charges, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions. This issue, among others, is expected to be a key topic in the upcoming talks between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the A.P.E.C. summit in San Francisco. According to the Associated Press, China has been increasingly assertive, encouraging other nations to align with initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. At the same time, Japan seeks to bolster economic security with other democracies, particularly in securing supply chains and sensitive technologies.

The future of China-Japan relations depends heavily on both nations’ willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and take tangible steps to address their underlying issues. Pursuing mutual understanding and cooperation is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and secure East Asia, despite the complexities introduced by the U.S.-China rivalry. China and Japan need to prioritize diplomacy, seek common ground, and create a stable environment conducive to regional and global peace.