Japanese Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji Visits Renmin University of China

On June 10, Japanese Ambassador to China Kanasugi Kenji paid an official visit to Renmin University of China (RUC). Zheng Xinye, Vice President of Renmin University of China, met with him. After the meeting, Ambassador Kanasugi delivered a lecture entitled "The Current State and Future of the Japan-China Relationship" at the Ambassador Forum——RDCY Forum for Area Studies No.10. Over 200 participants attended the event, including faculty and students from leading Chinese universities such as Renmin University, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and the University of International Business and Economics, as well as representatives from think tanks, diplomatic missions, and media organizations. The event was hosted by the Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China (RDCY), and the Dean of the School of Global Leadership, Renmin University of China.

In his speech, Ambassador Kanasugi expressed his commitment to building a stable and mutually beneficial relationship between Japan and China. Since taking office, he has prioritized open dialogue with all sectors of Chinese society. To understand China well, he has visited 18 cities and 11 universities across China and held multiple frank discussions with government officials, business leaders, academics, media professionals, and students.

Ambassador Kanasugi noted that 2024 saw frequent high-level conservation and dialogue between Japan and China, which significantly improved the various exchanges and communication between China and Japan. Both sides reiterate the "strategic, mutually beneficial relationship framework." He emphasized that the joint efforts by the two nations have great potential to contribute to regional peace and prosperity. He also highlighted Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s interest in visiting China as a sign of strengthening bilateral ties.

On economic cooperation, the ambassador pointed to new opportunities from China's domestic policy priorities outlined during the 2025 "Two Sessions," such as expanding domestic demand and promoting high-level opening-up. He mentioned that more than 10,000 Japanese companies operate in China and have over 30,000 business locations. He cited the "Gym Theory" of Japanese companies: China's competitive market is the most valuable training ground for global business success.

Regarding traveling exchanges, Ambassador Kanasugi reported a strong rebound in bilateral travel. In 2024, over 7 million Chinese tourists visited Japan, and this number is expected to surpass 10 million in 2025. Since China reinstated visa-free entry for Japanese citizens in November 2024, the number of Japanese business travelers to China has grown notably. He emphasized the long-standing cultural ties between the two nations and invited more Chinese visitors to the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, where July 11 will be set as "China’s Day" for the Expo.

In the following expert discussion panel, Professor Liu Jiangyong of Tsinghua University highlighted the importance of candid dialogue and expanded communication channels to maintain a stable China-Japan relationship. Professor Song Wei of RUC noted that amid global tariff tensions led by the United States, China and Japan have strategic opportunities to cooperate as two Asian nations with shared values distinct from the West. Professor Yusaku Nishimura of the University of International Business and Economics stressed the importance of people-to-people exchange, especially among youth, in fostering genuine understanding and long-term China-Japan friendship in the future.

During the Q&A session, Ambassador Kanasugi engaged with the audience on key issues, including economic and high-tech cooperation, aging populations, the China-Japan-South Korea FTA negotiations, East Asian regional integration, and cultural diplomacy.