Japanese lawmakers head to Beijing in bid to restart stalled dialogue

A cross-party delegation of Japanese lawmakers departed for Beijing on Monday, marking the first official-level contact between the two countries since bilateral relations soured over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.

The group includes Gaku Hashimoto of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a former health and welfare vice minister, alongside lawmakers from the opposition Komeito and Centrist Reform Alliance parties. They are scheduled to meet Chinese Communist Party officials during their visit, which runs through Thursday.

Shinichi Isa, a senior Centrist Reform Alliance spokesperson and former diplomat at the Japanese Embassy in China, said communication between the two governments had broken down across all areas. "We are beginning to see their impact in many areas," he told reporters before departure. "I hope we can somehow find a clue to restart a dialogue."

Isa had earlier written on social media that bilateral ties have sunk to their worst level since the 1972 normalization of relations, noting that even during previous low points, officials had maintained contact. "Now all channels between officials and ministries have been cut off," he wrote, adding that the situation serves neither country's national interest. The Chinese side accepted the lawmakers' request for a dialogue window.

The diplomatic freeze followed Takaichi's statement, made shortly after taking office, that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially justifying the use of force. Beijing views such comments as crossing a red line regarding Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.

Takaichi has not withdrawn her remarks. However, on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, she offered prayers remotely rather than visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, a site that China and South Korea view as symbolizing Japan's lack of remorse for wartime militarism.