Uncertainty over Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan slated for April has increased since China formally decided to postpone the annual National People's Congress.
A key member of the Xi administration has recently given instructions to determine whether Xi's visit would be welcomed in Japan, according to sources close to the Communist Party of China. The Chinese side is apparently concerned that feelings toward China may have deteriorated in Japan amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
As it stands, the positions held by both the Japanese and Chinese governments are unchanged: the visit will take place as planned. "Japan will not ask China to delay the visit," according to a senior Japanese government official. On Feb. 18, a day after the postponement of the NPC was proposed, senior foreign ministry officials from both countries confirmed that they would proceed with the planned visit as scheduled.
The number of countries that are taking such measures as restricting entry from China has increased to about 130 around the world, and there are moves to review business dealings in the country. The trade conflict between the United States and China also does not allow room for optimism. Amid such circumstances, China must realize the visit and maintain close relations with Japan. Some CPC members even say that it is theoretically possible to hold the NPC after Xi visits Japan in April.
However, three meetings, including a meeting of the Japan-China Economic Partnership Consultation slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, have been postponed. Cracks in the preparations are starting to appear. According to sources close to the government, a regular meeting between Japanese and Chinese police authorities scheduled for the end of this month has also been postponed.
On Friday and Saturday, Yang Jiechi, the top Chinese diplomat and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC, is scheduled to visit Japan. Both countries are going to make arrangements until the last minute. "We need to speed up preparations," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
