Japan Seeks Assurances on Takaichi Greeting at APEC
Tokyo wants Beijing to ensure Xi Jinping treats Sanae Takaichi like other world leaders at the Shenzhen summit.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in International Relations
Japanese officials have sought reassurances from China that Xi Jinping will greet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi like other world leaders when she attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conclave in Shenzhen on November 18-19. Japan-China ties over the past year have hit one of their lowest ebbs since normalization in 1972.
Why it matters
Diplomatic treatment of a visiting leader at a multilateral summit signals the state of relations between two of Asia's largest economies. A dispute over Taiwan has already derailed ties, and Japan is watching closely for any unusual arrangements at the conference.
The APEC conclave is scheduled for November 18-19 in Shenzhen, and the last China-hosted APEC summit in 2014 featured a handshake between Xi Jinping and Shinzo Abe. Whether Beijing will provide the reassurances Tokyo seeks has not been reported.
The players
Sanae Takaichi
Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan, whose attendance at the APEC summit in Shenzhen is at the center of the diplomatic arrangements.
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the President of China and general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, who hosts the APEC conclave in Shenzhen.
The details
Japanese officials have asked China to ensure Xi Jinping treats Takaichi like other world leaders attending the summit. A dispute over Taiwan has derailed Japan-China ties, which have fallen to some of their lowest levels since the countries normalized relations in 1972.
Timeline
1972: Japan and China normalize relations.
2014: Xi Jinping shakes Shinzo Abe's hand at the APEC summit hosted by China.
November 18-19, 2026: APEC conclave held in Shenzhen, where Takaichi and Xi are expected to meet.
Historical Context
At the 2014 APEC summit hosted by China, Xi Jinping shook Shinzo Abe's hand, a gesture now being used as a benchmark for Japan's expectations in Shenzhen. The current request for reassurances comes as Japan-China ties have reached some of their lowest ebbs since normalization in 1972.
Readers following regional trade and travel should note that diplomatic tensions between Japan and China can affect the schedule and tone of high-level exchanges. The outcome will determine how the two governments interact at a major multilateral meeting later this month.
The takeaway
Whether Beijing grants Tokyo's request will offer an early signal of how the two governments intend to manage their strained relationship. The Shenzhen summit is a practical test of that intent.
What happens next
The APEC conclave in Shenzhen is scheduled for November 18-19, 2026, when Takaichi and Xi are expected to meet in person.
Further reading
For more background on the diplomatic relationships involved, see International Relations.
