Japan-China relations next yearBy Gurjit SinghWith the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in a period of enforced dormancy and India-Japan-Australia not attempting a trilateral engagement, the fortunes of each of the three nations have a bearing on the others. Officials cited the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as China’s sole legal government and “understanding and respecting” Beijing’s Taiwan position. The National Security Strategy report of US President Donald Trump’s administration prioritizes the western hemisphere and domestic security, while still invoking deterrence in Asia. If brinkmanship grows, Washington, Tokyo and Beijing risk being pushed into reactive postures, increasing accidents and self-fulfilling escalation. Next year, Japan-China relations are likely to remain tense, competitive and fragile, but not necessarily uncontrollable.

Source: Taipei Times December 30, 2025 16:07 UTC