Japan, China Trade Ministers Hold First Direct Exchange After Dispute

Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa said on May 17 that he had a brief exchange with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on the sidelines of a regional economic forum in Suzhou, eastern China.

According to Akazawa, the exchange lasted a few minutes and focused on bilateral trade and economic issues. This is the first direct contact between the trade ministers of Japan and China since the diplomatic dispute between the two countries escalated in 2025.

The meeting took place within the framework of the APEC Economic Ministers' Meeting, where officials discussed promoting trade cooperation in the region. Akazawa expressed hope that this exchange would help improve the strained bilateral relationship.

China and Japan maintain close trade ties but frequently have disagreements over territorial and historical issues. The latest exchange comes as both countries seek to stabilize relations after a period of confrontation.