00:00Japan is set to downgrade its description of ties with China
00:04in its annual diplomatic report known as the Blue Book.
00:07The 2026 report is expected to describe China as an important neighbour
00:12with a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.
00:16That marks a step down from last year
00:18when Tokyo called its relationship with Beijing
00:21as one of its most important bilateral ties.
00:28Commenting on the expected shift,
00:30China's foreign ministry said Tokyo was to blame for the deterioration of relations.
00:35It follows a series of confrontations between Tokyo and Beijing last year,
00:40including export controls on rare earths and rising tensions over Taiwan.
00:45Ties hit a low point in November when Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi said
00:49Japan could deploy its military in the event of a Chinese operation on Taiwan.
00:54Takaichi has since defended the remarks as consistent with Japan's security laws.
00:59But a recent U.S. intelligence report said
01:02her comments mark a departure from the more cautious approach of previous Japanese leaders
01:07and assessment that Takaichi's government has rejected.
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