Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook Downgrades China from "Most Important" to "An Important Neighboring Country"

"China Intensifies Coercive Measures Against Japan"

Japan's draft 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook, which will be officially announced next month, has reportedly downgraded its description of relations with China from "most important" to "an important neighboring country."

According to reports by Kyodo News and the Mainichi Shimbun on March 24, local time, the Japanese government has lowered the status of its relationship with China in the 2026 edition of the Diplomatic Bluebook compared to the 2025 edition. The Bluebook also states that there are a number of outstanding issues and challenges between Japan and China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shake hands ahead of the China-Japan summit held in Gyeongju last October. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding China's response following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about possible intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency, the Bluebook points out that "China has intensified its unilateral criticism and coercive measures against Japan."

It further notes an increase in descriptions of actions taken by the Chinese government after those remarks. Specifically, incidents include a Chinese aircraft carrier-based fighter jet directing radar at a Japan Self-Defense Forces fighter jet, as well as strengthened restrictions on rare earth exports targeting only Japan.

The Bluebook also criticizes as inappropriate a social media post by Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, who wrote "there is no choice but to cut off their heads" in response to Prime Minister Takaichi's Taiwan-related comments. It also states, "The Japanese government remains open to dialogue with China and will not close the door to communication."

The Bluebook underscores the importance of clarifying the Japanese government's position and accurate facts to other countries, especially as China continues to criticize Japan through the United Nations, in order to foster understanding among the international community. It also calls for measures to counter China's information warfare.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun, the 2026 Bluebook covers the period from January to December of last year. However, it also includes incidents such as China's export restrictions that occurred in January and February of this year.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi plans to report the Bluebook to the Cabinet and officially release it in late April.

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