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.
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:
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.”
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.”
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.