In June 2023, China reported exports of $12.5 billion to Japan and imports of $13.6 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.11 billion. Comparing June 2023 to the same period in the previous year, China’s exports to Japan decreased by $-2.31 billion, a 15.6% drop from $14.8 billion. Similarly, imports from Japan also declined by $-2.28 billion, a 14.3% decrease from $15.9 billion. The decrease in China’s exports to Japan in June 2023 can be attributed primarily to reduced exports in product categories such as Computers (down by $-269 million or -22.5%), Telephones (down by $-108 million or -9.34%), and Other Cloth Articles (down by $-92.8 million or -41.7%). Conversely, the decline in China’s imports from Japan was driven primarily by reduced imports in product categories such as LCDs (down by $- 229 million or -88.4%), Spark-Ignition Engines (down by $-101 million or -75.8%), and Other Measuring Instruments (down by $-36.6 million or -15.8%). In terms of the volume of trade over the long period, a favourable link is shown. With an annual expansion rate of 6.54%, China’s exports to Japan have increased gradually over the past 26 years, rising from $32.5 billion in 1995 to $168 billion in 2021. Japan’s exports to China, on the other hand, have likewise had a constant increase during the same time period, increasing at an average rate of 7.66% from $22.5 billion in 1995 to $153 billion in 2021. According to a recent survey of Japanese businesses, more than half of them preferred to keep doing business with China or even increase it, highlighting the remarkable endurance of economic ties. However, it’s worth noting that in 2021, China did not export any services to Japan. In recent years, both nations have also made substantial investments in each other’s economies, resulting. in an intricate supply chain network. Toyota and Nissan, two Japanese manufacturers, now produce a sizable amount of their vehicles in China. Notably, Alibaba from China has significantly expanded its presence in the Japanese e-commerce business, demonstrating the extent of the country’s economic interdependence. Additionally, the two states collaborate on infrastructure initiatives in third-party nations, such as joint investments in Southeast Asia. As a result of China’s escalating military aggression, the contentious issue of Japan’s release of treated radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant has recently exacerbated the friction that already exists between Tokyo and Beijing. Despite the brief conversation between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, it is obvious that the water issue might have an extended impact on the relations between these two Asian nations. China has taken a strong stance in opposition to Japan’s decision to discharge Fukushima-treated wastewater into the ocean. While Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has insisted that Japan’s plan will adhere to safety requirements, Beijing has publicly opposed it. To ensure food safety and preserve the marine environment, China has put a complete halt to seafood imports from Japan, beginning immediately. Beijing has expressed disapproval of Japan’s actions and called them “selfish and irresponsible,” citing the possibility of nuclear contamination. It’s crucial to highlight that China is a large export market for Japanese fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates, with Japanese businesses selling these products to China for over 72 billion yen ($496 million) in 2017. The future of bilateral trade relations between China and Japan hinges on several pivotal factors. Both nations are poised to capitalize on their economic complementarity, with Japan’s advanced technology poised to find a receptive market among China’s burgeoning middle class, offering significant opportunities for Japanese consumer goods. Additionally, prospects for collaboration in green technologies and emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and robotics are on the horizon. Furthermore, the exploration of deeper integration through regional trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), has the potential to usher in new trade opportunities, further shaping the evolving landscape of China-Japan trade relations. In conclusion, the trade relations between China and Japan, characterized by the juxtaposition of “hot economics” and “cold politics,” continue to constitute a crucial part of the economies of both countries. They can create a precedent for global economic integration and promote shared prosperity by addressing issues, encouraging collaboration, and advancing open and honest trading practices. While there are still political differences between them, their economic connection is still developing and presents many prospects for growth and collaboration. The success of this dynamic cooperation will depend on its capacity to strike a balance between political and economic goals, finding a commonality in a world that is constantly changing.

By Jane Zhou