Current China-Japan Relations and What Citizens Can Do
Today's China-Japan Relations (December 7, 2025)
Current Status: Tense with Challenges
The relationship between China and Japan is currently experiencing significant strain, primarily due to recent controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan in November 2025 .
• Core Conflict: PM Takaichi stated that a Taiwan emergency involving Chinese military action could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially triggering Japan's right to collective self-defense .
• Chinese Response: China has vehemently rejected these remarks as a gross interference in internal affairs and violation of the one-China principle . The Chinese Foreign Ministry has demanded a clear retraction of these statements .
• Impact on Bilateral Relations:
◦ Political exchanges have been severely disrupted
◦ Economic cooperation faces obstacles, with China's Commerce Ministry urging Japan to "create conditions for normal economic and trade cooperation"
◦ The incident has undermined the political foundation of China-Japan relations established in the four bilateral political documents
Underlying Issues:
Beyond the current Taiwan controversy, tensions persist over:
• Historical issues (China urges Japan to "face history squarely")
• Territorial disputes (Diaoyu Islands)
• Diverging regional security interests
Previous Positive Momentum:
Before this recent crisis, there were signs of improvement:
• The two countries held their Sixth High-Level Economic Dialogue in March 2025
• They reached 10 consensus agreements on people-to-people exchanges in December 2024
• Tourism had been increasing, with Japanese tourist bookings to China rising by 140% year-on-year
What Chinese and Japanese Citizens Should Do
1. Promote People-to-People Exchanges
For Chinese Citizens:
• Visit Japan as tourists to experience Japanese culture firsthand
• Support educational exchanges by hosting Japanese students or encouraging children to study in Japan
• Engage with Japanese communities in China through cultural events
For Japanese Citizens:
• Take advantage of visa-free policies to explore China
• Participate in youth exchange programs or homestays in China
• Visit China's historical and cultural sites to develop a deeper understanding of the country
Both Sides Together:
• Leverage the 260+ sister city relationships between the countries to organize joint cultural, educational, and sporting events
• Support民间友好团体 (civil friendship organizations) that work to improve bilateral relations
2. Foster Understanding and Dialogue
• Learn Each Other's Language: Language skills build bridges for deeper communication
• Engage in Online Exchanges: Platforms like language exchange apps or cultural forums can connect ordinary citizens
• Host or Participate in Joint Workshops: Focus on shared interests like environmental protection, technology, or traditional arts
• Watch and share each other's films, TV shows, and literature to build cultural empathy
3. Promote Responsible Media Consumption and Discourse
• Seek diverse information sources about each other's countries rather than relying on one-sided reporting
• Challenge stereotypes when encountered in media or daily conversations
• Engage in respectful debate rather than inflammatory rhetoric when discussing sensitive issues
• Use social media to share positive experiences of interactions with people from the other country
4. Support Cooperation in Shared Interest Areas
• Environmental Protection: Jointly support initiatives addressing climate change, pollution, and sustainable development
• Business Collaboration: Encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to explore partnership opportunities, particularly in digital economy, AI, and green technology
• Academic Exchange: Support research collaboration between universities and institutions
• Cultural Heritage Conservation: Work together to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of both nations
5. Advocate for Constructive Government Policies
• Contact local representatives to voice support for policies that promote China-Japan friendship
• Participate in public forums or write op-eds advocating for better relations
• Support organizations that work to improve diplomatic relations
Moving Forward: A Path to Better Relations
Key Principles for Both Peoples:
1. Respect Core Interests: Understand and respect each other's red lines (for China: Taiwan issue; for Japan: security concerns)
2. Learn from History, Focus on Future: Acknowledge historical grievances while working together to build a more positive relationship
3. Cultivate Empathy: Strive to see issues from the other side's perspective
4. Build Trust Through Actions: Small, consistent gestures of goodwill can help rebuild trust
The Power of Ordinary People:
While government policies shape the framework of relations, citizens have the power to change hearts and minds at the grassroots level. By increasing direct contact, sharing experiences, and building personal connections, we can create a foundation of mutual understanding that will help weather future diplomatic storms.
Next Steps:
• Plan a visit to the other country or host a visitor
• Join a cultural exchange program
• Follow social media accounts that promote positive China-Japan relations
• Support businesses that foster bilateral economic cooperation
Note: This analysis is based on information available as of December 7, 2025. The situation may evolve as diplomatic interactions continue.
