"China and Japan Adjust Xi Jinping's Japan Visit Schedule... Likely After Autumn"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Chinese and Japanese governments have decided to postpone Chinese President Xi Jinping's scheduled visit to Japan in April and have begun adjustments, according to reports by Nihon Keizai Shimbun and others on the 1st. Although the Japanese government has denied the postponement rumors, it is reported that they judged it would be difficult to proceed smoothly with preparations due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Japanese foreign media reported that President Xi's state visit to Japan will be postponed until after this fall, following the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Initially, President Xi's visit was expected in early April. During the G20 summit held in Osaka last June, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first proposed the visit to President Xi, who agreed, and the visit had been in progress since then.

However, as COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread to Japan and other countries, managing the situation became a priority, and both countries found it difficult to smoothly prepare for such a large-scale diplomatic event. Accordingly, considering the political and diplomatic schedules of both countries, the schedule is being readjusted, and Nihon Keizai reported that this policy is expected to be confirmed within this week.

Yomiuri Shimbun, citing multiple Japanese government officials on the 1st, reported that the two governments are reviewing the postponement of President Xi's state visit originally scheduled for early April. Yomiuri conveyed the atmosphere within the Japanese government, stating, "Japan has already inquired with China about postponing President Xi's visit. President Xi will not visit Japan in April."

Based on statements from a senior Japanese government official, Yomiuri predicted that if the postponement of President Xi's visit is confirmed, it will likely be "after this fall," following the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics scheduled for July to September.

Before the reports from Japanese foreign media, on the 28th and 29th of last month, Yang Jiechi, the top Chinese diplomat and member of the Communist Party's Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs, visited Japan to discuss President Xi's state visit with Prime Minister Abe and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. At a press conference on COVID-19 response held on the 29th, Prime Minister Abe was asked about the status of President Xi's state visit and replied, "At this point, there is no change to the schedule." He added, "From the perspective of achieving sufficient results, we will continue to maintain close communication between Japan and China."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.