All articles tagged with #japan china relations
China is ramping up pressure on Japan across diplomatic, economic, and military fronts after PM Sanae Takaichi signaled a tougher stance on Taiwan; Tokyo’s strong electoral mandate could cement a firmer line, and analysts expect a prolonged “greyzone” pressure campaign with limited de-escalation and closely watched US-Japan dynamics.
Thousands said goodbye to Japan's last two giant pandas at the Ueno Zoo as Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei prepare to be returned to China on Tuesday, a poignant moment amid worsening Tokyo-Beijing tensions over Taiwan; China owns all pandas on loan to foreign countries, typically for about 10 years with roughly $1 million annual fees, and the future of panda loans to Japan remains uncertain as diplomatic strains escalate.
The final public viewing of twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo precedes their return to China amid worsening Japan–China relations, leaving Japan panda-free for the first time in decades and casting doubt on new loan deals amid diplomatic strains; fans and locals fear the cultural and economic impact.
Twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei are set to be flown from Tokyo to China, ending more than five decades of panda loans to Japan and highlighting a chill in Sino-Japanese ties amid Taiwan tensions; Beijing has indicated no replacement pandas will be sent, making the era of pandas as a diplomatic symbol in Japan unlikely to resume soon.
The head of Japan's Komeito party, Natsuo Yamaguchi, has postponed his planned visit to China at China's request. Yamaguchi intended to meet with President Xi Jinping and deliver a personal letter from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. However, the Chinese side deemed the timing inappropriate due to the current state of Japan-China relations. This comes after Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific, which was condemned by China. Komeito expressed hope for rescheduling the visit in the future, as China acknowledged the importance of their longstanding friendly exchanges.