Japan to drop ‘most important’ tag for China tiesReuters, TOKYO and BEIJINGJapan is to downgrade its description of ties with China from “one of its most important” in an annual diplomatic report, according to a draft reviewed by Reuters, as relations with Beijing worsen. Printed Chinese and Japanese flags are seen in this illustration, July 21, 2022. Photo: ReutersThe shift in tone underscores a deterioration in ties that has become entrenched since November, when Takaichi angered Beijing by saying that Japan could deploy its military if a Chinese move against Taiwan also threatened its territory. Beijing responded by reimposing restrictions on Japanese seafood imports, urging its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and announcing curbs on rare earths and critical minerals used in electronic components. Separately, China has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese after what it described as a “forceful break-in” at its embassy in Tokyo, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

Source: Taipei Times March 24, 2026 17:59 UTC