**Tensions between Japan and China remain elevated one year after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November 2025 remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency, which Beijing condemned as crossing a red line and prompted export restrictions plus travel advisories.** Xi Jinping has not extended an invitation for a bilateral summit with Takaichi at the November 2026 APEC leaders’ meeting in Shenzhen, instead previously proposing a session with Premier Li Qiang when Japan floated the idea. Recent diplomatic signals, including Xi’s October 2026 condolence message urging Japan to safeguard the “political foundation” of ties and abide by the 1972 joint statement and related documents, underscore Beijing’s insistence on corrections before deeper engagement. Takaichi’s government continues coordinating her APEC attendance while reviewing possible bilateral talks, but no confirmation exists. U.S. President Trump’s reported September 2026 suggestion to Xi for direct contact was rebuffed, with Beijing emphasizing separation of China-Japan and U.S.-China issues. These factors keep any near-term Xi-Takaichi meeting dependent on shifts in Beijing’s stance or new diplomatic openings before year-end events.