Japan Business Leaders Hold Talks with Chinese Vice Premier in Beijing

19 Feb, 2025

Japanese business leaders, including Kosei Shindo, head of the Japan-China Economic Association and adviser to Nippon Steel Corp., met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Beijing on Monday.

Shindo led the Japanese delegation, accompanied by Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and Ken Kobayashi, head of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who joined as top advisers. Their discussions focused on fostering collaboration and addressing economic concerns amid global uncertainties.

A similar Japanese business delegation met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in January 2024. During the latest visit, the delegation sought another meeting with Li, but instead met with Vice Premier He Lifeng. At the start of the meeting, Tokura emphasized the growing importance of deepening dialogue between the governments and companies of both countries.

Vice Premier He Lifeng acknowledged the need for cooperation while pointing out the challenges posed by rising global conservatism and unilateral trade policies. His remarks appeared to reference the additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration, which have impacted global trade dynamics.

Additionally, the Japanese delegation held talks with a senior official from China’s National Development and Reform Commission on Monday. These discussions aimed at exploring new avenues for business collaboration and trade facilitation.

The delegation is scheduled to travel to Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, on Wednesday to continue their engagements. The Japan-China Economic Association has been sending delegations to China almost every year since 1975, though visits were temporarily halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual exchanges resumed last year after a three-year break, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain strong economic relations between the two nations.

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