Key facts
- China agreed to allow a larger Japanese business delegation to visit next month.
- China's decision may signal an effort to reduce external risks and foster a stable international environment for economic development.
Beijing has agreed to allow a larger Japanese business delegation, organized by the Japanese Business Federation (Keidanren), to visit China next month. This decision comes amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries, which observers describe as a dynamic of "hot economics and cold politics."
Historically, Japan's policy toward China was built on "separating politics and economics," aiming to foster China's economic growth and integration into the international community while managing political disputes. This approach facilitated significant trade and investment, with China remaining Japan's largest trading partner. However, in the current era of "economic security," separating these two aspects has become increasingly difficult, as China is perceived to be more willing to use economic tools for political purposes.