Japan’s trade minister Ryosei Akazawa holds brief talks with his Chinese counterpart in China, according to reports. The meeting is described as the highest-level engagement between the two sides since a diplomatic dispute began in November. Japan Times says Akazawa is the most senior Japanese official to visit China since the row erupted. Channel NewsAsia links the renewed engagement to the origins of the dispute, noting that the tensions follow remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. In those remarks, Takaichi discusses a hypothetical scenario in which a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a response from Tokyo, drawing criticism and escalating diplomatic strain. The sources characterize the talks as limited in duration and do not provide details of any specific outcomes or agreements from the meeting. Both outlets frame the engagement as part of the broader effort to manage strained relations while signaling continued official communication at a senior level.