Japan and China are currently facing their most severe diplomatic crisis in the past decade, primarily fueled by escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan, which have undermined previous hopes for thawing bilateral relations that had emerged after the pandemic. Early 2023 had brought some optimism as the easing of most COVID-19 restrictions indicated potential improvement in relations between Beijing and Tokyo, but by the end of 2025, a series of disputes, especially concerning the Taiwan issue, have led to another significant deterioration of the situation.

The fragility of diplomatic ties between the two nations has been particularly evident since October 21, 2025, when Sanae Takaichi formally took office as Japan's first female Prime Minister. Initially, both the Japanese and Chinese governments expressed a willingness to cooperate, with Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting at a multilateral summit to reiterate their commitment to fostering 'mutually beneficial relations based on common strategic interests'. However, this long-standing slogan, utilized since 2007, now resonates as somewhat hollow amid the widening rifts and the lack of substantial dialogue.

Takaichi leveraged the summit to highlight Japan's concerns regarding regional security and the implications of China's assertive policies in the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Her tenure marks a significant shift from traditional Japanese political approaches, signaling a more proactive stance in confronting China's growing influence. The implications of Takaichi's leadership style and policies could reshape Japan's foreign relations and its position in the greater geopolitical landscape, testing the resilience of international norms and alliances in the region.