(Asia Financial Observer, Reporter Yuan Yin, Tokyo) Multiple sources have confirmed that Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Asian Affairs Department at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Japanese companies in Dalian on November 18 and conveyed a positive message directly: “We hope Japanese companies can continue to operate in China with peace of mind.” Reportedly, earlier that day, Liu met in Beijing with Masaki Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before traveling to Dalian, a long-standing hub for Japanese investment in China.
According to reports, during his inspection of local Japanese companies’ facilities, Liu not only inquired in detail about the companies’ operations and challenges but also embraced relevant company representatives before leaving. Analysts note that this move is intended to clearly distinguish “political confrontation” from “economic cooperation,” signaling that diplomatic and security frictions should not affect the stability of manufacturing and supply chains. It is part of a broader “stabilize foreign investment” strategy aimed at alleviating foreign investors’ concerns. This demonstrates that China will continue to maintain a pragmatic and open stance, sending a reassuring signal to the market.
Additional Context
Have Japanese companies in Dalian been affected by policy?
Japanese companies in Dalian have not been negatively impacted by Chinese policies; rather, they continue to benefit from tax incentives and industrial cooperation.
In 2021, actual utilization of foreign investment in Dalian increased 160% year-on-year, ranking first in the country.
In 2022, representatives of Japanese companies publicly praised the local business environment.
In 2025, Japan’s Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) proactively sought to deepen economic and trade cooperation with China, while China simultaneously lifted all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, further solidifying Dalian’s position as an important investment hub for Japanese companies.
Further Context
Keidanren Chairman Meets Chinese Ambassador in Japan: Calls for Continued Business Exchange
According to Japan’s Kyodo News, on November 28, 2025, Keidanren Chairman Yoshinobu Tsutsui visited Wu Jianghao, China’s Ambassador to Japan, representing major Japanese conglomerates such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo, to formally request leading an economic exchange delegation to China in January 2026. Their central message was: “Do not let the mistakes of the Takamichi Sanaa administration shake the overall framework of Sino-Japanese economic cooperation.”
Additionally, Kyodo News reported on December 2 that Japan’s cross-party “Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ League” has already conveyed to China a request to send a delegation of lawmakers to visit China before the end of this year.
