China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, met with a 50-member Japanese corporate delegation led by former foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya in Beijing this week. This meeting represents the highest-level reception for a Japanese group in China in nearly a year. The discussions took place as both nations prepare for the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.

According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi characterized the current state of bilateral relations as facing a “severe situation.” He explicitly linked the future of the relationship to how Japan handles its historical record regarding World War II. Wang argued that these historical issues remain a significant obstacle to normalizing relations, suggesting that Japan’s approach to its wartime past is a prerequisite for improved diplomatic and economic cooperation.

While the meeting focused on business ties and the potential for economic collaboration, the Chinese side used the platform to reiterate long-standing grievances regarding Japan’s historical narrative. The delegation, comprised of corporate executives, is seeking to navigate the cooling diplomatic climate to maintain trade and investment interests. The meeting highlights the ongoing tension between China’s desire for economic engagement and its insistence that Japan acknowledge and address historical grievances before a full diplomatic thaw can occur.