# Japan-China ties at APEC remain elusive

> Japan-China diplomatic thaw at APEC remains unclear after foreign minister's meeting.
- Title: Japan-China ties at APEC remain elusive · Nikkei Asia
- Summary: Japan-China diplomatic thaw at APEC remains unclear after foreign minister's meeting. Japan-China diplomatic relations remain strained despite a meeting…
- Keywords: japan, china, apec, takeshi iwaya, wang yi, foreign minister, news, business, world, Japan-China, ties, remain
- Source: Nikkei Asia — https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-a-thaw-in-japan-china-ties-at-apec-remains-elusive
- Published: 2026-10-07T19:00:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: japan, china, apec, takeshi iwaya, wang yi, foreign minister, news, business, world
## Japan-China diplomatic meeting
Former Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on September 28.
## Message confusion
Did Iwaya receive a message intended for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi?
## Author background
Katsuji Nakazawa is a Tokyo-based senior staff writer with seven years in China as a correspondent.
## Author recognition
Nakazawa won the 2014 Vaughn-Ueda International Journalist prize.
## Diplomatic uncertainty
Chinese foreign minister's message leaves many wondering how to interpret it.
## Key takeaway

Japan-China diplomatic relations remain strained despite a meeting between former Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.