Persistent tensions from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November 2025 remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency continue to shape China-Japan diplomacy, prompting Beijing to rebuff direct engagement proposals. During the September 2026 Trump-Xi summit, U.S. urging for talks was met with Chinese warnings about Japanese militarism and a counteroffer limited to Premier Li Qiang rather than Xi. Tokyo’s subsequent request for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the November 18-19 APEC leaders’ summit in Shenzhen has received no confirmation, while Takaichi has signaled attendance subject to parliamentary duties. These dynamics reflect Beijing’s preference to maintain pressure on security and economic issues without high-level concessions ahead of the gathering.