Japan and China trade ministers hold brief informal talks
Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa held brief talks with China's Wang Wentao at APEC. This marks the highest engagement since a November diplomatic row.
Japan Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa held brief, informal talks with his counterpart from China before a dinner on Friday. The encounter marks the highest-level engagement between the two nations since a diplomatic row erupted in November. Investors are monitoring the exchange for signs of easing trade restrictions on critical minerals used in electric vehicles and defense.
### Rare Earth Leverage and Trade Friction Akazawa confirmed to reporters on Saturday morning that no formal bilateral meeting occurred with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The two spoke briefly before the dinner in Suzhou during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meetings. Akazawa declined to disclose specific details, citing the nature of diplomatic exchanges.
