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On the anniversary of Takaichi Sane’s “Taiwan trouble” remarks, China-Japan relations continue to strengthen, but the scale of Japanese companies participating in the Shanghai International Import Expo is still the same as last year. Toyota and Uniqlo also stressed that they are optimistic about the Chinese market and will continue to make plans.
prime minister of japantakaichi sanae On November 7, 2025, he made comments related to “something is going on in Taiwan”, causing tension in China-Japan relations. It is celebrating its first anniversary. As Chinese and Japanese officials clash over relevant remarks in recent days, nearly 320 Japanese companies are participating in the 9th China International Import Expo held in Shanghai, which is on the same scale as last year. During interviews, many Japanese companies said that they value the Chinese market. In addition to continuing to expand their local presence, they have also deepened their presence through investment in local R&D and setting up factories.
Kyodo News reported on the 6th that about 320 Japanese companies participated in this CIIE, which was the same as last year. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has set up a joint exhibition area composed of 155 Japanese companies.toyota Brands such as Toyota, Uniqlo, Muji, Panasonic, Shiseido, Kao and Nissan participated in the exhibition. Many Chinese senior executives of Japanese companies were present in person on the first day of the exhibition.
Zhang Jing, project manager of Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., said that Toyota has participated in CIIE for nine consecutive times since the first CIIE. This year, with the theme of “co-creation by colleagues”, it will showcase classic models such as the second-generation Crown and Corolla, as well as pure electric models and new Lexus cars developed in China. He pointed out that Corolla is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, with cumulative global sales reaching 57 million units, and sales in China exceeding 5 million units. The exhibition area also presents the achievements of Toyota and Chinese partners in the development of energy storage, hydrogen energy and other energy applications.
Uniqlo has participated in the exhibition for the seventh consecutive year. This year, with the concept of “city of inspiration” as its booth, it will showcase the Pufftec air-filled cotton fabrics jointly developed with Toray, and launch autumn and winter series in collaboration with Nordic designers. Brand publicist Liu Yimin said UNIQLO has collected feedback from more than 42 million consumers around the world last year as a basis for product improvement. The exhibition area also displays the concept of local dialects, with the Shanghai local UT series designed with elements such as Huihai Middle Road and scallion noodles. Lifewear concepts, fabric technologies and designs are presented through the booth.
At the same time, Chinese and Japanese officials have recently exchanged views on related issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on the 6th that China-Japan relations are currently facing serious difficulties, and the responsibility lies entirely with Japan, and called on Japan to correct its words and actions. Japan’s NHK noted that Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the same day that the Japanese government’s position on Taiwan is consistent with the content contained in the 1972 “Japan-China Joint Statement” and has not changed.
In response to a reporter from Lianhe Daily when asked about Sino-Japanese relations, Zhang Jing said that Toyota will adjust its strategy according to the needs of the local market and may be influenced by public opinion. However, if she believes the direction is right, she will move forward strongly and “remain optimistic about the Chinese market.”
Zhang Jing mentioned that Toyota is a company that adheres to long-termism. Chairman Akio Toyoda has attached great importance to the Chinese market since he was in charge of the China business in its early years. “He once said that China is most important.” He said Toyota will introduce China’s Chief Engineer system in 2024, in which Chinese engineers will lead model development. At present, the total delivery volume of pure electric models developed specifically for China has exceeded 200,000 vehicles, and the Lexus Shanghai factory is expected to put into production in 2027.
Facing tough competition in the Chinese market, Zhang Jing said Toyota will continue to learn and hold the market through pure electric products. At the same time, it will adhere to safety and quality and will not abandon investments in public welfare and other investments due to competition.
Liu Yimin said that he could not directly respond to the impact of the relevant situation on operations in China, but judging from the company’s latest financial report, China’s business still showed “increasing revenue gains.” He stressed that “the company remains optimistic about the Chinese market” and has plans to open more stores and renovate stores. In the long term, Uniqlo “pays great attention to the Chinese market” and will continue to invest in the Chinese market.
Summary FAQ
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Chinese and Japanese officials have been clashing over relevant comments in recent days and relations between the two sides are still tense, reports said. China said the responsibility lies with Japan, while Japan reiterated that its position on Taiwan has not changed.
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About 320 Japanese companies participated in the 9th China International Import Expo, and the overall scale was the same as last year. JETRO also created a joint exhibition area for 155 companies, in which brands such as Toyota and Uniqlo participated.
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Many Japanese companies surveyed said they remain optimistic about the Chinese market and will adjust their strategies based on local demand and deepen their layout through research and development, investment and factory establishment. Toyota emphasizes long-termism, and Uniqlo also said its China business is still growing revenue.
