Overview
- China’s Xinhua confirmed that Xi Jinping met Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, on the sidelines of the APEC leaders’ forum in Gyeongju.
- Sanae Takaichi posted that she exchanged greetings with Xi before the session, and NHK reported she intended to push for a mutually beneficial relationship while voicing concerns over Chinese activities near the Senkaku Islands.
- Coverage describes Takaichi drawing on Shinzo Abe’s legacy to prioritize economic exchanges despite unresolved historical grievances.
- Xi opened the APEC session and was cast as its central figure, with the forum unfolding as President Donald Trump returned to the United States after an Asia tour.
- Beijing did not send a congratulatory message to Takaichi after her appointment, though Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told his Japanese counterpart he had noticed positive signals from the new cabinet.