Shigeru Ishiba on Xi Jinping
TL;DR
Shigeru Ishiba prioritizes constructive dialogue with Xi Jinping's China while maintaining a strong defense posture.
Key Points
He agreed with President Xi Jinping in November 2024 to advance a strategic relationship of mutual benefit and build a constructive bilateral relationship.
He sent a high-level delegation in April 2025 with a letter for Xi Jinping to navigate trade friction, indicating a desire to avoid conflict.
He urged President Xi Jinping to properly handle historical issues and the Taiwan question while maintaining the political foundation of bilateral relations.
He expressed that Japan has no intention of "decoupling and severing industrial and supply chains" with China during their November 2024 meeting.
Summary
Since taking office in 2024, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has made improving ties with China a key diplomatic priority, balancing this engagement with deterrence. This approach was evidenced by his meeting with President Xi Jinping in November 2024, where both leaders agreed to advance a strategic relationship of mutual benefit and build a constructive, stable bilateral tie fit for the new era. Ishiba also sent a high-level delegation with a letter to Xi in April 2025, signaling a continued effort to manage relations amidst global trade friction, while also pressing on issues like seafood import restrictions.
However, the relationship remains complex, as Ishiba's administration must manage domestic skepticism, which reflects an overall unfavorable view of China among Japanese citizens. While Ishiba expressed satisfaction about being "on the same page" after his summit, he simultaneously raised serious concerns with Xi regarding the Taiwan Strait, military actions in the East China Sea, and the safety of Japanese nationals. Ishiba’s policy seeks an autonomous relationship with China without distancing from the United States, a balancing act that China may misinterpret, creating uncertainty for long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shigeru Ishiba adopts a policy of engagement, seeking to build a constructive and stable relationship with Xi Jinping's leadership. This engagement is balanced with a firm stance on deterrence and raising security concerns directly.
Yes, the two leaders reached common understandings in November 2024 to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit. However, some sources question the depth of this agreement given China's noncommittal response to specific Japanese concerns.
Ishiba has emphasized the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and raised concerns over Chinese military actions in the East China Sea. He also demanded action on safety for Japanese nationals in China and the resumption of seafood imports.
Sources7
Ishiba pens letter to Xi as Japan aims to avoid trade crossfire
Xi Jinping Meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Message to Shigeru Ishiba on His Election as Japanese Prime Minister Li Qiang Sends Congratulatory Message to Shigeru Ishiba_Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America
Xi Jinping Sends Message of Condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba over the Passing of Former Japanese Prime Minister Murayama Tomiichi
Ishiba stokes up diplomacy alongside deterrence in Japan's relations with China
EDITORIAL | Were Ishiba and Xi Really 'On the Same Page?'
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.