Japan’s Prime Minister Shifts to Assertive Diplomacy Against CCP at APEC Summit

Prime Minister Kishida advocated for responsible actions from China to establish a ‘constructive and stable Japan-China relationship.’

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests during APEC Leaders' Week at Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2023. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

In a pivotal meeting at the APEC summit in San Francisco, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confronted Chinese leader Xi Jinping with a series of pressing issues, marking a notable shift in the Japan-China relationship. Mr. Kishida’s stance advocated for a “constructive and stable Japan-China relationship,” reshaping their bilateral ties.

The meeting, held on Nov. 16, was the first between Mr. Kishida and Mr. Xi in a year, extending 20 minutes beyond its scheduled 65 minutes. Mr. Kishida, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty, emphasized the joint responsibility of both nations, as significant regional and global powers, to contribute to world peace and stability.