Overview of the Meeting

Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, often regarded as a hawk on China due to her conservative stance and past criticisms of Beijing, held her first in-person meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 31, 2025, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. The approximately 30-minute bilateral talks were described by both sides as constructive, with a focus on stabilizing relations amid longstanding tensions over territorial disputes, trade, and human rights. Despite pre-meeting concerns that Takaichi’s hardline views might lead to a frosty encounter—exacerbated by Xi’s lack of a congratulatory message upon her appointment—the discussion was characterized as “candid” and forward-looking, potentially easing immediate fears of escalation.

Key Discussion Points

The leaders reaffirmed a commitment to a “strategic and mutually beneficial relationship,” a phrase originating from a 2006 joint statement under former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Takaichi’s mentor) and then-Chinese President Hu Jintao. This echoed efforts to prioritize economic cooperation despite political frictions. Specific issues raised included:

• Territorial and Maritime Concerns: Takaichi expressed “serious concerns” over China’s activities in the East China Sea (including the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands) and the South China Sea, urging restraint to maintain regional stability.
• Trade and Economic Issues: Discussions touched on Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals, critical for Japan’s tech and defense industries, with Takaichi seeking frank dialogue on easing restrictions.
• Human Rights and Security: Takaichi voiced worries about human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang (particularly Uyghur issues), the safety of Japanese nationals detained in China, and North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens. Xi reportedly raised Taiwan as a point of contention.
• Broader Cooperation: Both sides highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas like economic ties and regional security, with Xi emphasizing “peaceful and cooperative” relations and urging Japan to view China positively.

Takaichi later told reporters she aimed to “deepen their personal relationship” and use the meeting as a “starting point” for improved ties, while Xi expressed readiness for ongoing communication to keep relations “on the right track.”

Atmosphere and Outcomes

The tone was notably pragmatic rather than confrontational. Takaichi’s post-meeting briefing emphasized directness without antagonism, and Xi’s remarks, per Chinese state media, focused on mutual benefits in a “new era.” No major agreements were announced, but the exchange was seen as a positive icebreaker, especially given Takaichi’s recent defense spending hike to 2% of GDP (ahead of schedule) and her meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, which Beijing views warily as strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Public reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), were largely positive toward Takaichi’s assertiveness. Uyghur advocacy accounts praised her for highlighting Xinjiang abuses, while Japanese and international observers noted the rarity of such forthrightness in Japan-China diplomacy. Chinese outlets like China Daily framed it as a step toward “constructive and stable bilateral ties.”

Broader Implications

This meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened U.S.-China trade frictions (including a recent Trump-Xi truce) and Japan’s strategic pivot toward closer U.S. ties. Analysts suggest it signals Takaichi’s intent to balance toughness with pragmatism, potentially stabilizing Asia-Pacific dynamics short-term. However, unresolved issues like the Senkaku Islands and rare earths could resurface. For updates, monitor official channels like Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office or China’s Foreign Ministry.