Japanese media report that the impact of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a 'Taiwan contingency' has extended to Japan-China-South Korea relations, and that China has refused to hold the Japan-China-South Korea leaders' summit in January next year.
According to Kyodo News, multiple diplomatic sources revealed on Saturday (November 22) that as Japan is the rotating chair, it has quietly sounded out China and South Korea about the intention to hold the trilateral summit next January. China notified through diplomatic channels that it would not be able to agree to the summit. Previously, the foreign ministers of the three countries held talks in Tokyo in March and agreed to hold the summit at an appropriate time as soon as possible.
The report says that China reacted strongly and took a hardline stance regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's parliamentary comments about a 'Taiwan contingency,' and at present it is also impossible to negotiate a specific future date for the summit, making it uncertain whether the meeting can happen.
According to the report, Japan plans, as the chair, to try to facilitate the summit as soon as possible after February next year. However, China will celebrate the Spring Festival in February, and, as usual, hold the National People’s Congress in March, which will likely make schedule coordination difficult.
According to the report, Japan plans, as the chair, to try to facilitate the summit as soon as possible after February next year. However, China will celebrate the Spring Festival in February, and, as usual, hold the National People’s Congress in March, which will likely make schedule coordination difficult.
The report also says that if the Japan-China-South Korea leaders’ summit can be realized, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to visit Japan, which could become an opportunity to normalize China-Japan relations.