Japan has downgraded its diplomatic assessment of China for the first time in a decade, reflecting growing tensions between the two Asian powers, according to a report released on Friday (Apr 10).
Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have worsened in recent months after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan could intervene militarily in the event of an attack on self-ruled Taiwan, a move strongly opposed by China, which considers the island part of its territory.
In its annual foreign policy “bluebook”, Japan’s Foreign Ministry revised its language on China, changing its description from “one of Japan’s most important partners” — a wording used since 2016 — to simply “an important neighbour”.
The report also accused Beijing of intensifying “unilateral criticism and intimidation” against Japan, signalling a tougher diplomatic stance from Tokyo.
The widening rift has led to further retaliatory measures, with Beijing reportedly advising its citizens against travelling to Japan and imposing restrictions on some Japanese companies.
Official data showed Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan dropped sharply, falling by 45.2 per cent in February compared with the previous year.
Beyond bilateral tensions, Japan’s latest bluebook also highlighted a deteriorating global environment, warning that the era of relative post-Cold War stability has effectively come to an end.
“It can be said that the comparatively peaceful era once known as the ‘post-Cold War period’ has already ended,” the report stated.
