Sanae Takaichi to visit China for APEC in Shenzhen
Takaichi will attend APEC in Shenzhen; Tokyo says it is her first trip to China since taking office.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Chinese city of Shenzhen next week, in what Tokyo says will be her first visit to China since taking office.
Visit announced amid strained ties
The trip comes at a moment of heightened tension between the two neighbours. Relations escalated after Takaichi said in November 2025 that Tokyo could intervene in the event of an attack on Taiwan — a claim Beijing contests because it regards the island as its own territory.
"The Prime Minister Takaichi will visit the Philippines and China from 16 to 19 November to attend summits related to ASEAN and APEC," said Masanao Ozaki, deputy chief cabinet secretary of the Japanese government.
Ozaki also said a Quad meeting is being arranged with Australia, India, Japan and the United States, and that it is planned to take place within events related to ASEAN.
Tokyo’s confirmation of the Shenzhen visit comes as leaders in the region prepare for a week of summits and high-level encounters that could be used to both signal positions and open lines of communication.
Photo: press material from the event
