Japan-China relations
Japan's 50-Year Panda Era Ends as Beloved Twin Pandas Return to China Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Dec 15, 2025 09:11 pm CST
After nearly half a century of continuous panda presence in Japan, the beloved twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei are set to return to China in late January 2024, leaving Japan panda-less for the first time in 50 years. Their departure coincides with increasing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, highlighting the political significance of panda diplomacy that began with the normalization of Japan-China relations in 1972.
Japan Scrambles Fighter Jets as Russian and Chinese Forces Conduct Joint Aerial Patrols Near Territory
Dec 10, 2025 03:23 pm CST
Japanese defense forces mobilized jets in response to joint Russian-Chinese aerial patrols around Japanese territory, highlighting escalating regional tensions. The operation involved nuclear-capable bombers and fighter jets traversing international waters between Okinawa and Miyako islands, prompting Japan's Defense Minister to express serious security concerns amid deteriorating relations with Beijing.
Xi Jinping Invites Canadian PM Carney to China Amid Global Trade Tensions and Holds First Meeting with Japan's New Premier
Oct 31, 2025 08:04 pm CST
Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit China during their first formal talks since 2017, signaling potential improvement in strained bilateral relations. Both nations face pressure from Trump's tariff policies, even as Xi meets with Japan's first female premier Sanae Takaichi amid complex regional dynamics. The diplomatic engagements occur against a backdrop of global trade tensions, with Canada positioning itself as a potential energy supplier to Asian markets.