China, Japan Improve Tie Ahead Trump Second Term

（the article has been updated to make it concise and cohesive)

In the days leading up to Donald Trump’s January 20th inauguration, Beijing and Tokyo are making efforts to improve their bilateral relationship. Both countries stand to benefit from working together rather than against each other. China offers vast market opportunities and manufacturing strength, while Japan brings a culture of high quality and craftsmanship rooted in tradition.

Their relationship has been strained recently, influenced by geopolitical tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict and the expansion of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

However, Japan recognizes the need for a warmer relationship with China. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang welcomed the visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to China in nearly two years. The last such visit was made by Yoshimasa Hayashi in March 2023.

As a result of this visit, Japan announced it would relax visa requirements for Chinese visitors, while China agreed to lift its ban on seafood imports from Japan. In a TV interview, Japan’s foreign minister emphasized the importance of China in the bilateral relationship.

Earlier in December, China had announced that citizens from 54 countries, including Japan, could enter China visa-free. On December 24, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed that the country would lift its ban on Japanese seafood, with Japan being China’s largest seafood exporter.

Additionally, Japan introduced measures to ease visa requirements for Chinese nationals, including a new 10-year multiple-entry visa for tourists, a notable extension from the previous maximum of five years. Japan also increased the maximum stay for Chinese tourists from 15 to 30 days.

These moves mark a first step toward improving ties following a recent meeting between Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru. Wang Yi is also expected to visit Japan early next year.