Key facts
- A 50-member Japanese delegation visited China starting Sunday, September 27, 2026.
- The delegation is led by former Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.
- The group aims to improve bilateral ties and break a deadlock in relations.
- The visit is intended to foster dialogue between Japan and China.
- The delegation is from the Association for the Promotion of International Trade.
- The visit comes ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit in China in November.
A delegation from Japan's Association for the Promotion of International Trade, led by former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, arrived in China on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for a four-day visit. The group, comprising 50 members, aims to improve bilateral relations and foster dialogue amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Iwaya, who was appointed head of the association on July 29, 2026, succeeding the late Yohei Kono, expressed his commitment to revitalizing economic exchange and cooperation and paving the way for high-level dialogue between the governments. The visit is seen as a move to mend ties, particularly in light of recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, which have strained relations. The delegation is seeking meetings with high-ranking Chinese officials, including those serving under President Xi Jinping. This initiative precedes the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit scheduled to be held in China in November.