Japan Trade Minister Holds Brief Talks With Chinese Counterpart Amid Diplomatic Row The meeting between Japan's Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, in Suzhou last Friday has reignited debate about Beijing's use of economic coercion in its diplomatic relations.
The low key conversation, with no formal talks and few details disclosed, holds significant symbolism: it marks the first high level engagement between Japanese and Chinese officials since November.
Akazawa's attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meetings in Suzhou was a carefully calculated move by Tokyo to maintain engagement with China despite ongoing tensions.