# Japan Seeks to Prevent Xi Snub of Takaichi at APEC Tokyo officials push for diplomatic protocol as Japan-China relations remain at historic lows. - **Source:** [The Japan Times](https://www.japantimes.co.jp) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5fcbb470-b31b-4cad-9b17-dbd5bab47a20 ## Summit Diplomatic Tensions Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen this November. Japanese officials are actively working to ensure that President Xi Jinping grants her a customary handshake. This meeting represents their first encounter since Takaichi’s controversial remarks regarding Taiwan severely damaged bilateral relations between nations. ## Historical Lows in Relations Current diplomatic ties between Japan and China have reached their lowest point since the normalization of relations in 1972. Officials in Tokyo remain concerned that the host leader might intentionally snub the Prime Minister during the event. This atmosphere of uncertainty contrasts sharply with the 2014 APEC summit held in China. ## Precedent of 2014 Detente During the 2014 APEC summit, President Xi Jinping shook hands with then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe despite existing tensions. However, that interaction was the result of months of careful diplomatic groundwork intended to foster a detente. Today, no such preparatory efforts have been successfully established, leaving the nature of the reception highly unpredictable. ## Tokyo Seeks Formal Reassurance Japanese officials have been seeking explicit reassurances from their Chinese counterparts to guarantee Takaichi receives the same treatment as other participating world leaders. These private discussions aim to prevent any perceived diplomatic slight. Tokyo has indicated it will formally protest if any unusual or exclusionary protocols are implemented during the conference. ## The Taiwan Policy Impact The current friction stems largely from Takaichi’s past comments on Taiwan, which triggered a significant furor in Beijing. These remarks have left a lasting impact on the political landscape, with few signs of a thaw over the past year. The upcoming summit serves as a critical test for potential future diplomatic engagement. ## Summit Logistics and Protocol The APEC conclave is scheduled to take place on November 18-19 in Shenzhen. As the host, China holds the responsibility for managing the arrival and greeting protocols for all visiting heads of state. Tokyo’s insistence on standard treatment highlights the fragility of current communication channels between the two major Asian powers. ## Diplomatic Risk Management The Japanese government is operating under the assumption that any deviation from standard diplomatic protocol would be interpreted as a deliberate political signal. By proactively addressing these concerns, Tokyo hopes to avoid a public relations crisis. The outcome of this interaction will likely define the trajectory of Japan-China relations for 2027. ## Broader Geopolitical Implications The interaction between Takaichi and Xi will be closely monitored by regional observers as a barometer for stability. Successful engagement could signal a cautious path toward normalization, while a snub would confirm the ongoing deep freeze. Both nations face pressure to manage these high-stakes optics without further escalating existing regional security tensions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/11/09/japan/politics/japan-takaichi-xi-china-summit/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._