According to a report by the Japanese Kyodo News on the 14th, Matsumoto Masayuki, president of the Kansai Economic Federation in Japan, revealed on Tuesday that efforts are being made to arrange a delegation of Kansai business leaders to visit China from October 18th to 23rd. However, he expressed concern that 'no clear response has been received yet, and given the current situation, the Chinese side may refuse.'
At a press conference in Osaka, Matsumoto noted that "given the political impasse in Japan-China relations, the economic circles in Kansai have always been committed to maintaining and developing exchanges." He stated that the economic circles of Kansai had strong ties with China, and would continue to advance exchanges based on the "separation of politics and economy," even if Japan-China relations deteriorated.
"Even facing political problems, the business community has been tirelessly working to strengthen economic ties. This time, we will engage with China in earnest." He said.
At the meeting, Matsumoto also emphasized that "it is very important to carry out dialogue with a long-term perspective," and urged Yoshihiko Koumaka's government to "actively create conditions for dialogue" and resume normal relations between the two countries as soon as possible.
According to reports, in June this year, Matsumoto went to China to attend the China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo held in Beijing. At that time, he expressed his intention to send a delegation to China to the organizers. If the trip goes smoothly, this will be the first visit by the Kansai economic community to China in about two years since November 2024. It is expected that the delegation will consist of around 80 to 100 people.
Japanese media also mentioned that last week, the Japan International Trade Promotion Association, which serves as an important window for Japanese trade and economic exchanges with China, was also coordinating the formation of a delegation. The delegation was originally scheduled to visit China in the second half of September. However, due to the death of former House Speaker Yuki Yamano, who served as the president of the association, the visit was postponed.
It is expected that former Foreign Minister Iwatani Takeshi will officially take on the position of President of the Japan Council for International Trade in the near future. After going through the internal procedures, a delegation led by Iwatani Takeshi is coordinating arrangements for a visit to China from September 20th to 23rd. Japanese media report that this will be an important visit by the Japan Council for International Trade after a period of stagnation.
