Yes. Recent developments strongly suggest that Japan is trying to reopen dialogue with China, although this does not mean Tokyo has abandoned its position on Taiwan or its security concerns about Beijing.
The clearest sign is a cross-party delegation of Japanese lawmakers that travelled to Beijing this week to try to repair relations. The delegation includes politicians from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party as well as opposition parties. They are seeking to restore communication that has deteriorated sharply since Takaichi’s controversial comments about a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan.
Why did relations become so bad?
The dispute began in November 2025, when Takaichi said that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a situation threatening Japan's survival and potentially justify Japanese military action. Beijing reacted angrily because China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and considers foreign military involvement in the Taiwan issue a major red line.
China subsequently introduced measures affecting relations with Japan, including restrictions involving seafood, rare-earth materials and dual-use goods, and issued warnings discouraging Chinese citizens from travelling to Japan. Communication between the two governments also deteriorated significantly.
So why is Japan reaching out now?
There are several reasons:
Economic interests: China is a major trading partner, and restrictions on rare-earth materials are particularly important because Japan relies heavily on China for these resources.
Security: Japan and China are neighbours, so maintaining communication is important for preventing misunderstandings from escalating into a military crisis.
Taiwan: Japan wants to maintain its security position while avoiding a complete breakdown in relations with Beijing.
Diplomatic stability: Japanese lawmakers say the current situation is damaging both countries and that dialogue needs to restart.
There has already been a small opening: Japan's foreign minister and China's foreign minister met in July, reportedly their first such talks since the Taiwan dispute erupted.
Does this mean Japan is changing its position on Taiwan?
Not necessarily. Japan appears to be trying to restore communication without giving up its security concerns. Takaichi has not withdrawn her earlier Taiwan comments, while Japan continues to regard China's military activities as a serious security concern.
So, in simple terms: Japan is extending a diplomatic hand to China because the relationship has become too tense and costly to leave unmanaged. But this is more about reopening dialogue and reducing tensions than about Japan suddenly siding with Beijing on Taiwan.