A Tepid Olive Branch in Suzhou The brief meeting between Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation dinner in Suzhou has sparked a mix of relief and skepticism.
On its surface, this encounter appears to be a symbolic gesture aimed at easing tensions between Japan and China.
A Sorely Needed Gesture The impetus for this meeting lies in the strained relationship between Japan and China following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.